Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya admitted the target of 206 was chaseable after they suffered a 30-run loss against Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Sunday. Pandya feels they conceded 10-15 runs more than they should have and conceding 73 runs in the last five overs, cost them the game.

RR were able to finish strongly as Jofra Archer scored a crucial cameo of 15-ball 32. Furthermore, Ravindra Jadeja smashed 19 runs off 11 balls whereas Nandre Burger scored 10 runs off three balls.

On the other hand, MI was on the right path as they needed 59 runs in the last six overs with Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya at the crease. However, Pandya was dismissed on a short delivery by Jofra Archer and it proved to be the turning point in the game.

Hardik Pandya said in the post-match presentation, “I think 10-15 runs (more we gave with the ball). It was quite hot as well, and the bowlers did a pretty good job. It was chaseable, we just lost a lot of wickets in powerplay and then it was always a catch up game.”

He added, “When I went to bat it felt like it was coming on nicely. It played similarly in both innings (the pitch). It was coming on the bat. Just have to hold your shape and play good cricketing shots.”

Speaking on death bowling, Pandya concluded, “Death overs are always difficult and I always believe that if you can stop 1-2 boundaries in that 5-over bracket, you’ll always be 12-15 runs short. Unfortunately we could not do that. 73 in the last 5 cost us the game as well.”

MI ended the season in ninth position in the points table with four wins in 14 games.