Mumbai Indians suffered their second consecutive loss in IPL 2025 during their match against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Saturday. In pursuit of 197 runs, they needed to start aggressively, particularly from their power hitters. Unfortunately, they kept losing wickets at crucial moments, and what surprised everyone was Hardik Pandya’s unusually slow performance, which lacked the urgency the situation required.

When Hardik came to bat, MI needed 89 runs off seven overs, but he couldn't create any momentum, leading to the team's 36-run defeat.

Hardik's return to Ahmedabad as the opposing captain was already a notable storyline, but his batting performance became the main topic of discussion. MI needed someone to take charge when he stepped onto the field. Suryakumar Yadav had just played some aggressive shots and was crucial to the chase, but Hardik was expected to deliver the explosive finish he’s known for.

Instead, he appeared unusually restrained, scoring only 11 runs off 17 balls before being dismissed by Kagiso Rabada’s slower delivery.

MI had already lost early wickets, including Rohit Sharma (8) and Ryan Rickelton (6) to Mohammed Siraj, but Tilak Varma and Suryakumar had managed to stabilize the innings with a 62-run partnership. With the momentum in their favor, it was the perfect opportunity for Hardik to showcase his finishing skills. However, his performance felt disconnected from what the match required.

Fans were left puzzled by Hardik's innings against GT.

Prasidh's intense bowling performance

Hardik Pandya faced challenges just as Prasidh Krishna delivered a game-changing performance. Coming in late, Prasidh made an instant impact by dismissing Tilak Varma with a clever slower ball and then unsettling Suryakumar with a sharp bouncer that hit him on the helmet. By the time Suryakumar was out, MI was looking at a significant loss, and Hardik was still struggling to find his rhythm.

Even when the target was reduced to needing 79 runs in the last five overs, MI's chase never really took off. Pandya's failure to hit boundaries pushed other players to take unnecessary risks, which ultimately led to a disappointing defeat.

His performance was a stark contrast to the dynamic innings played by Gujarat’s Sai Sudharsan (63 off 41) and Jos Buttler (39 off 24), both of whom batted with clear intent and aggression.

Read Also: R Sai Kishore Opens Up About Intense Staredown with Hardik Pandya: "It's All Part of the Game

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