Mumbai, June 2 – After a forgettable IPL 2025 campaign, Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya gave a candid statement reflecting on the team’s performance. The five-time champions failed to make it to the playoffs, sparking criticism and introspection.
“We really needed to pull up our socks earlier in the season,” Hardik said in the post-match press conference. “The intent was always there, but our execution wasn’t consistent. In tournaments like IPL, momentum is everything.”
MI’s Struggle Throughout the Season
Mumbai Indians endured a rough start and never really found their rhythm. The middle order struggled, the bowling lacked bite, and some tactical decisions didn’t work as expected.Pandya acknowledged the weight of expectations after taking over from Rohit Sharma as captain. “I won’t shy away from responsibility. We just didn’t play like the MI we’re known to be,” he admitted.
Fan Reaction & Expert Opinions
The season’s outcome sparked mixed reactions from fans and analysts. While some praised Hardik’s honesty and leadership effort, others criticized the team’s performance and change in captaincy.
Cricket experts pointed out a lack of cohesion, poor death bowling, and inconsistent finishes as major factors behind MI’s early exit.
What’s Next for Mumbai Indians?
Despite the setback, Hardik remains optimistic: “This is a learning season. We’ll regroup, analyze our mistakes, and come back with full firepower next year.”
The franchise is expected to undergo major strategic changes ahead of IPL 2026 — possibly a mix of experienced players and fresh talent.
