The Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2024 are still going through hell. Their chances of making the playoffs have been destroyed with their seventh defeat of the year, this time against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). To make matters worse, BCCI sanctions have been imposed on skipper Hardik Pandya and his team for continuing to play at a sluggish over-rate throughout the game.
Double Offense, Double Trouble for Hardik Pandya
In the IPL 2024, MI had already committed slow over-rate offenses. They had already been penalised by the BCCI for a similar infraction earlier in the season. Because this was a repeat crime, the punishments were more severe. The skipper, Hardik Pandya, was the most severely punished, having to pay a hefty fine of ₹24 lakh. The IPL released an official statement stating, “Mr Hardik Pandya, Captain, Mumbai Indians has been fined after his team maintained a slow over-rate during Match 48 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 against Lucknow Super Giants at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on April 30, 2024.
Rest of the Playing XI Fined as Well
The penalties imposed by the BCCI went beyond Hardik Pandya. The designated Impact Player and the other members of the playing eleven also received penalties. A fine of ₹6 lakh or 25% of their match fee, whichever was less, was imposed on each player. The statement went on to say, “The rest of the members of the Playing XI, including the Impact Player, were each individually fined either INR 6 Lac or 25 per cent of their respective match fees, whichever is lesser.
MI’s Batting Woes Continue in Lucknow
MI’s batting again fell short against LSG, adding to their on-field miseries. Their best result on the board was a below-average 144/7. Expected to provide a strong platform, openers Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan fell cheaply. India’s skipper and a key component of MI’s batting lineup, Rohit Sharma, continued to struggle against left-arm speed, managing only four runs off of five deliveries. Hardik Pandya, who was been selected vice-captain of India for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, was also unable to get going as he was out for a duck on the opening delivery.
LSG Cruise to Easy Victory
In contrast, LSG easily reached the target and won the game with 4.4 overs remaining, taking four wickets in the process. Marcus Stoinis contributed significantly to LSG with a well-rounded 62 runs scored. With this win, MI’s IPL 2024 campaign was prematurely ended as LSG solidified their place in the standings.
Potential Ban for Hardik Pandya in Case of Further Offense
MI has also received a strong warning from the BCCI. Hardik Pandya will miss one game if they commit another sluggish over-rate offense in the season’s remaining games. This extra penalty acts as a potent deterrent and emphasizes how crucial it is to keep the allotted over-rate during IPL games.
Questions Remain for MI’s Future
MI’s dismal IPL 2024 campaign begs the issue of what their next move should be. Their weaknesses have been made clear by a poor batting effort, erratic bowling, and a string of sluggish over-rate offenses. MI will have a chance to recuperate, assess their weaknesses, and make the required adjustments during the impending off-season in order to be back as a formidable force in the 2018 IPL season.
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