Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians first team to be officially eliminated from IPL 2024’s playoff race
Before the start of the IPL 2024, Mumbai Indians had named Hardik Pandya as their captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, who had led the team to five IPL titles. (PTI Photo)
Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians became the first team in this season of Tata IPL 2024 to be officially eliminated from the playoff race. The five-time IPL champions were knocked out of the IPL playoffs competition after Sunrisers Hyderabad thrashed Lucknow Super Giants with 10-wicket victory at Uppal on Wednesday. At present, Mumbai Indians have 8 points in their kitty from 12 matches that they have played so far. Placed on number 9, they can reach 12 points tally even if they win both of their last league matches. However, these 12 points won’t be enough for them to keep their playoff chances alive.
Also ReadSunrisers Hyderabad destroy Lucknow Super Giants, chase down 166-run target in flat 45 minutes! ‘Breathtaking,’ says internet
But with SRH adding two points to their tally, they are now on number 3 with 14 points. With LSG and Delhi Capitals scheduled to play their league match on May 14, only the winner of this showdown will be able to reach the 14-point stand. Hence, the situation where Mumbai Indians can add more points to their tally has been eliminated with SRH’s win. As Mumbai Indians will not meet the qualifying cutoff, they have been knocked out.
Before the start of the IPL 2024, Mumbai Indians had named Hardik Pandya as their captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, who had led the team to five IPL titles. However, MI had a difficult start to the season, losing their first three matches. They managed to bounce back with victories against Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), but inconsistency plagued them as they lost four consecutive matches.
On Monday, MI reignited their slim hopes with a seven-wicket triumph over SRH, thanks to an unbeaten century by Suryakumar Yadav during their chase of 174.
Next, MI will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday before concluding their campaign with a match against Lucknow Super Giants at home on May 17th.