Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya blamed himself for the team’s defeat against Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2. MI failed to defend a 200-plus total for the first time in 18 years, and Jasprit Bumrah conceded 40 runs from 4 overs. Shreyas Iyer was the difference in the end as the Punjab captain scored an unbeaten 87 runs off 41 balls, with the help of 8 sixes and 5 fours. Punjab completed the chase of 204 runs in 19 overs.

Iyer didn’t spare any bowlers and went hard after settling down at the Narendra Modi Stadium. With this defeat, Mumbai have been eliminated, while Punjab will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on June 3.

“Shreyas Iyer took his chances and some of his shots were magnificent. Our total was on par but we couldn’r execute our plans with the ball. Punjab batters were calm and put us under pressure. Someone from end should have bowled in the right areas,” Hardik Pandya said.

“I would like to take the blame on me. Probably, I should have bowled well. Jassi can do something special but it didn’t happen today,” he added.

Iyer was named the Player of the Match for his captain’s knock. He lauded his teammates for their exceptional performances throughout the season.