IPL2025: Hardik’s Five-5 wkt Haul in vain as Mumbai Indians fall short to LSG , Rathi , Marsh shines

Despite a brilliant five-wicket haul with the ball and a valiant effort with the bat, Hardik Pandya couldn’t save Mumbai Indians from another defeat. On Friday, MI suffered a 12-run loss to Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium. Batting first, LSG posted a challenging 203/8, and in response, Mumbai could only manage 191/5. While Lucknow walked away with the win, they were left with concerns about Rishabh Pant’s form. The ₹27 crore star could only manage 2 runs on the day. Chasing a 200+ total at Ekana was never going to be easy, and Mumbai’s start didn’t help. With Rohit Sharma sidelined due to injury, Will Jacks opened alongside Ryan Rickelton. But debutant Akash Deep dismissed Jacks in the very first over, and Shardul Thakur sent Rickelton packing in the next. Mumbai desperately needed a partnership to stabilize the innings, which came through Naman Dhir and Suryakumar Yadav. Typically a No. 3, Tilak Varma was pushed down the order as Mumbai gambled by promoting Naman —...