Pacing near the boundary, Hardik Pandya looked annoyed as the Mumbai Indians fell again in the IPL, beaten by seven wickets by the Punjab Kings. After losing four of their first five games, Mumbai hold only two points, placing them second from bottom. On the flip side, PBKS stay perfect, collecting nine points and holding firm at number one.

Out of nowhere, Quinton de Kock blazed 112 not out from 60 balls, lifting MI to 195 for 6. Yet that number was nowhere near sufficient. In reply, Punjab reached the target with ease, just 16.3 overs on the clock, highlighting how much wider the divide has become between these teams lately.

“We need to go back to the drawing board and ask some harsh questions” – Hardik Pandya

Prabhsimran Singh, smashing 80 not out from just 39 balls, keeping his hot streak alive. Captain Shreyas Iyer followed close behind, racing to 66 in 35 with smooth timing. Together, they tore through Mumbai’s attack like scissors through paper. PBKS handled the bowlers without breaking a sweat.

Out of sorts, the squad keeps searching. Hardik Pandya called it out loud. Picking apart what's off: players, planning, or how things unfold mid-game. Not one thing stands clear yet. Hard moves might come next, he suggested, as the season teeters. Fixing this mess won’t wait forever.
Hardik Pandya said Punjab did more right than Mumbai across all parts of the game - bowling, hitting, catching. Though factors such as late-inning air movement and wet grass had some effect, it was their sharper choices under pressure that tilted things early. Their ability to adapt when moments shifted made the difference others couldn’t close.

Also Read: Quinton de Kock’s century in vain as Prabhsimran, Iyer power Punjab Kings to emphatic seven-wicket win over Mumbai Indians

Grounded performances keep Punjab steady, Iyer pointed out; their approach is built on calm and focus. The way they stay composed makes a difference, he said, especially under pressure. Prabhsimran’s development stood out too, showing better judgment without losing his aggressive edge. His starts remain powerful, yet there is more control now, a sign of growth that does not shout but shows up when it matters.

Prabhsimran said what kept him going was simply believing in himself. Though he didn’t get many balls early on, he stayed calm, knowing if he waited, chances would open up later. That quiet trust turned into solid runs when it mattered most, guiding the team through without rush or mistake.