Hardik Pandya Breaks Down, Bumrah's Rescue Act Goes Viral As Emotional Scenes Unfold After MI's IPL Crash

Mumbai Indians' (MI) wait for their sixth IPL title continued as the team suffered a defeat to Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2. MI - the five-time champions - have not won a title since 2020. In fact, their performance has not been great in recent times, finishing tenth in 2022 and 2024 and fifth in 2021. They reached Qualifier 2 in 2023 but suffered a defeat to the Gujarat Titans.

The team did not get off to a great start in IPL 2025, losing four of the first five games, but bounced back well to qualify for the playoffs. They defeated the Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator and entered Qualifier 2 as heavy favourites.

The team also put up a strong score of 203-6 in 20 overs, however, Shreyas Iyer's brilliant knock of 87 knocked them out of the tournament.

Meanwhile, MI captain Hardik Pandya broke down after the defeat, the video of which went viral on social media. Hardik was consoled by Jasprit Bumrah, who gave him a pat on the back to cheer him up. The fans felt sad seeing Hardik in tears, but lauded Bumrah for his special act.

Hardik Pandya reflected on the defeat and lauded Shreyas Iyer for a remarkable knock. He said the result could have been different had MI executed their plans a bit better with the ball.

"The way Shreyas batted, took his chances and some of the shots he played were really outstanding. I think they definitely batted really well. I think it was par, but it needed some great execution as a bowling unit which I think in these big games it really matters. And as I mentioned they were really calm, put us under pressure and I think we were not able to execute the way we wanted.

"I will not put it on the wicket. If we had to do something better it was maybe someone bowling right lengths or maybe the right bowler at the right point, the result could have been a bit different. In hindsight, it would have been different (whether he should have bowled Bumrah with 41 needed of 4 overs) and it would have been too early as well, Boom knowing the situation if even 18 balls are left Jassi can be Jassi and he can do something special and it just didn't happen today," said Hardik.

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