'Never leave the battlefield' - Hardik Pandya remains motivated despite Mumbai Indians’ struggles in IPL 2024

Mumbai Indians faced yet another loss in their recent clash of the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2024. The loss came against Kolkata Knight Riders. Both sides faced off in the 51st game of the tournament at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday, May 3. 

The clash saw Kolkata bat first and post a total of 169 runs in the first innings of the game, and aiming to chase down the target, Mumbai Indians’ batters once again failed to finish the job for the five-time champions. MI was bundled out for a score of 145 runs as the side lost the game by 24 runs. 

After the game, MI skipper Hardik Pandya took centre stage and talked about his side’s performance against KKR. Furthermore, the star all-rounder opined that he is not yet ready to leave the battlefield, despite a string of negative results. 

"Obviously, we couldn't form partnerships and kept losing wickets. There are a lot of questions that will take time to answer. But for now, not much to say. Bowlers did a fantastic job on this track," Pandya said at the post-match presentation ceremony. 

"The wicket got better if I'm not wrong. Dew came in the second innings. Will go through the game and see what we can do better. You keep fighting, that is what I tell to myself, never leave the battlefield. Tough days come but good also come here. It's challenging, but challenges make you better," he added. 

KKR dominates as MI face eighth loss of the season

Aiming to chase down a target of 170 runs, Mumbai Indians got off to a subpar start to the run chase as openers Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma were sent packing for 13 and 11 runs, respectively. Naman Dhir added 11 runs on the board, with Tilak Varma and Nehal Wadhera scoring four and six runs, respectively. 

Suryakumar Yadav was the highest run-getter with a knock of 56 runs in 35 deliveries; however, his showing was not enough to propel MI to a win, as the five-time champions lost the game by 24 runs eventually.