A disappointed Hardik Pandya was honest after Mumbai Indians' defeat on Thursday, hailing Sanju Samson for his 'outstanding' hundred, which proved to be the difference maker. It was also MI's first-ever three-match losing streak at the Wankhede Stadium in IPL history. After the match, the MI skipper pointed out that his bowlers, including the spinners, performed well, but it was the CSK opener's knock which outfoxed his side.
Mumbai Indians' captain Hardik Pandya was brutally honest after his side's defeat on Thursday. (AP)
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Samson got his second IPL 2026 ton, racing to an unbeaten 101* off 54 balls, packed with 10 fours and six maximums, striking at 187.04. He played the anchor role, staying till the end as CSK go to 207/6 in 20 overs. It proved too much for MI, who were bowled out for 104 in 19 overs.
‘Sanju played an outstanding knock’: Hardik Pandya
Speaking after the match, Hardik said, "I think that in the powerplay, losing that early wicket is always going to be tricky. You are always chasing the game and we could not cope up after that."
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Rejecting the notion that the Wankhede pitch was different than before, he said, "I would not say that. I’m not someone who would like to say that. They batted well, they scored 207. It was the same track, it is the same soil. We should have just batted well."
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Rejecting the notion that the Wankhede pitch was different than before, he said, "I would not say that. I’m not someone who would like to say that. They batted well, they scored 207. It was the same track, it is the same soil. We should have just batted well."
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Praising Samson's impact, he said, "I think even our spinners bowled pretty well. It’s just that Sanju played an outstanding knock. At the same point of time, their batters kept coming and kind of chipping in and got them to a decent total. I think more than a decent total on that track. For us to chase this down, we needed to have a good powerplay and the momentum had to be with us, but that could not happen."
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Revealing his team's future plans, regarding playing XI changes, he added, "I think that will be the chat where we will go back to again, go forward and figure out what we need to do. We have a couple of days. We just need to see what we can do best."
MI are also running out of time this season and is now eighth in the standings with four points after seven matches (two wins and five defeats).
CSK also now have the most wins against MI in IPL history, with 19 victories in 40 matches. Punjab Kings are second in the list with 18 wins in 35 games. Chennai have also clinched victories in five of their last six matches vs MI in IPL since 2023. The 104 all-out on Thursday is also MI's lowest total vs CSK in IPL, bettering their 136/8 in 2021.
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Home/Cricket/Hardik Pandya refuses to brush things under the carpet after Mumbai Indians slump to unwanted hat-trick, hit 19-year low
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