Former Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Mumbai Indians (MI) lost their final game of the season at home to Rajasthan Royals (RR). The 30-run loss was their tenth in the IPL 2026, which saw the Men in Blue and Gold end the campaign in the ninth spot. That loss meant RR qualified for the playoffs at the expense of the Punjab Kings and the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Hardik Pandya’s leadership has come under the scanner once again as the team failed to reach the playoffs. Former West Indian star Kieron Pollard, who is with the franchise as their batting coach, addressed the media after the woeful campaign. Pollard, who has played all his IPL matches for MI, has given a strong hint that major decisions could be taken soon.
The 39-year-old from Trinidad said he will question certain things and added that Hardik and the team tried their best. Former all-rounder then said that the team had to introspect a lot after the poor campaign, and he didn’t know what could happen as far as decision-making was concerned. Polly, as he is fondly called, then said that the team has to ‘lick its wounds’ and make a strong comeback in a year.
When asked about Pandya’s leadership, the former Caribbean star said the season didn’t go as per the players’ and management’s views—then added that each loss had to be taken collectively, and it was wrong to point fingers at a certain person or individuals.
Riyan Parag expresses joy after qualifying for the playoffs
Meanwhile, RR skipper Riyan Parag was over the moon after his team became the fourth side to make it to the knockouts. Jofra Archer’s star turn with the bat and ball helped the visitors make their way to the final week of the season on the final day of the league phase matches on Sunday.
Speaking at the end of the game, Riyan said, “We should have qualified earlier rather than leaving it late. We lost three games in succession, and we have to learn from our past mistakes.” Archer scored 32 off 15 balls with the bat and then picked 3/17 with the ball, with his scalps including Rohit Sharma for a duck, as well as Plant Man for six and skipper Pandya for 34.
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