IPL 2026: Hardik Pandya's 'won't put bowlers under the bus' comment goes viral after Mumbai Indians fail to defend 243 vs SRH

NEW DELHI: Despite posting a massive 243/5, five-time champions Mumbai Indians still ended up on the losing side as Sunrisers Hyderabad chased down the target with eight balls to spare. MI’s bowlers, including ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, endured an off day. Known for turning games with his lethal bowling, Bumrah conceded 54 runs in his four overs without taking a wicket.

The disappointment of losing despite such a big total was evident on skipper Hardik Pandya’s face, though he admitted the bowling resources are stretched.

It wasn’t just Bumrah — Ashwani Kumar proved expensive, giving away 41 runs in two overs at an economy of 20.50. Spinner Allah Ghazanfar picked up two wickets but leaked 51 runs in his four overs at 12.80.

With this defeat, Mumbai Indians remain ninth with four points from eight games, while Sunrisers Hyderabad climbed to third with 12 points from nine matches.

"I think this season we don't have much option, we really need to see what all differences we can do. I won't put my bowlers under the bus. I think as an overall unit, we have not been able to do what exactly Mumbai Indians stands for," said Pandya when asked how he plans to address his bowling attack after failing to defend a strong total.

"We really need to see what all we need to work on," he added.

The MI captain said that with continued backing from the franchise owners and support staff, the team will find a way forward.

"We have passionate owners and support staff, hopefully we will figure out something."

He also expressed regret for the loyal Mumbai Indians fans, admitting the team has not given them enough to cheer about.

"We have not given them much opportunity to back us -- but they have been fantastic and loyal. Sometimes it hurts when the opposition comes and they start chanting their name. But we probably need to give them more (to cheer and shout about)," he said.

Pandya, however, credited the batting unit for delivering, while admitting that missed chances - including dropped catches - hurt the team.

"Yes, I enjoyed (the batting), I had fun today on the ground. Yeah, I think 244, I think I'll back my bowlers to stop it, but some other day today we could not execute.

"I think it's been that kind of season (of missed chances on the field). When you get a couple of chances, you grab them, that's when the luck and momentum changes. If you don't, it kind of hurts you...all the boys tried really well. They gave everything, it did not work out," he added.