IPL 2025: MI Captain Hardik Pandya Fumes Over No-Ball Chaos in Rain-Soaked Defeat to GT

May 7, 2025: Mumbai Indians’ playoff hopes took a major hit after a thrilling, rain-affected three-wicket loss to Gujarat Titans at the Wankhede Stadium. The match, decided by the DLS method and a dramatic one-over showdown, saw MI fall short despite a spirited bowling fightback, with skipper Hardik Pandya calling the repeated no-balls by his side a “crime” in the aftermath.

Mumbai, defending a modest total of 155/8, seemed to be on the cusp of a DLS victory when a heavy downpour interrupted Gujarat’s chase. At that point, MI were five runs ahead under the DLS par score after 18 overs. However, the weather cleared just in time for a final-over decider, and MI were penalised for a slow over rate, allowing only four fielders outside the inner circle—an advantage Gujarat seized with both hands.

Deepak Chahar, handed the responsibility of the last over, faltered under pressure. After conceding a boundary and a towering six, Chahar bowled a crucial no-ball, tipping the scales firmly in Gujarat’s favour. Earlier, Hardik Pandya himself had overstepped twice in a single over, adding to MI’s woes.

Reflecting on the defeat, Hardik didn’t mince words: “Catches did not really cost us, but the no-balls—with my no-balls and even the last one—are a crime in T20s. More often than not, they come back to bite you.” However, he praised the team’s resilience: “I’m really proud of the boys for giving 120 per cent. We stayed in the game and never gave up.”

MI’s batting effort was underwhelming on a surface that Pandya believed was good for at least 175. Will Jacks top-scored with a 53, while Suryakumar Yadav (35) and Corbin Bosch (27) chipped in, but the top order failed to capitalise, leaving the side 20–30 runs short of a competitive total.

In response, Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult brought MI back into the contest with crucial strikes, including the wickets of Shubman Gill, Shahrukh Khan, and Sherfane Rutherford. However, a dropped catch by Tilak Varma in the 12th over, reprieving Gill, and the repeated no-balls ultimately undid their efforts.

Hardik acknowledged that the constant rain interruptions added to the challenge. “Rain kept coming in—it was not ideal. The ball kept getting wetter, but we had to get on with the game, and we did. It was definitely a game of margins,” he said.

With this loss, MI’s six-match winning streak comes to an end, and the playoff race tightens further.