Hardik Pandya has now turned his attention from his teammates to the stands and urged Mumbai Indians fans to support the opposition teams during IPL 2026. The MI skipper’s remarks came after yet another disappointing loss, this time against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede.
Defeat despite MI posting a massive 243, moving them further up to ninth in the table with just two wins from eight matches. After the match, Hardik reflected not only on his performances, but also on the audience support.
MI vs SRH, IPL 2026: Highlighting | Scorecard
“Yes, I think we didn’t give them many opportunities to support us. But yes, they were pretty fantastic. They were loyal. They were fantastic. Yeah, sometimes it hurts when the opposition team comes and they start chanting their names. We have to entertain them more to make sure we get that love and trust from them,” said Hardik.
The comment particularly stood out in a season when MI were already facing criticism internally and externally for their performances.
WHY HARDIK PANDYA CALLED ME FANS?
There is frustration in what Hardik said, but there is also an element of honesty in it.
MI have not played like the team that commands the Wankhede this season. When the results don’t come, the mood in the stands changes. Hardik seemed to be headed for it. The noise from the opposition teams was louder than usual and did not go unnoticed.
The match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru earlier this season is a good example. The chants were clear and you don’t expect that at home for a party like MI.
HOW SRH HIT MY HOME
For most of the first innings, MI seemed to be in control.
Ryan Rickelton played an excellent shot. Will Jacks gave him support with 42 and Hardik added a quick 30.
But still felt MI left some runs there. At a ground like the Wankhede and against a batting side like SRH, 243 is big but not always safe.
That was confirmed.
SRH did not hesitate. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma set the tone early and once the chase got underway, MI never pulled it back. Heinrich Klaasen ensured there was no slowdown in the middle overs.
What would worry ME more is how flat their bowling looked. There were no real breakthroughs, no pressure. Even Jasprit Bumrah lost a wicket conceding 54 which summed up the night.
Chasing 244 without panic, SRH posted the highest successful chase at the venue.
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– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
30 Apr 2026 0:40 AM IST
