"I take blame on myself," says Krunal Pandya after LSG lose Eliminator vs MI

Krunal Pandya-led Lucknow Super Giants crashed out of IPL 2023 after facing defeat in hands of MI in the Eliminator.

Young Akash Madhwal and Mumbai Indians have demolished Lucknow Super Giants by 81 runs. Mumbai Indians have also fixed their clash with Gujarat Titans in qualifier 2 at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. Chennai Super Kings have already qualified for the finals. While chasing 183 runs, Lucknow were once in a good spot with 69 for 2 in 8 overs. But a few comical errors of judgment made them collapse to just 101 runs. Mumbai Indians put their entire energy on the field and Lucknow batters were struggling to go past fielders inside the ring. Akash Madhwal with a magical 5/5 spell did the job for MI. Batting first, Mumbai put up 182 runs with a magnificent partnership of 66 runs from Cameron Green (41) and Suryakumar Yadav (33). MI have also found a finisher in Nehal Wadhera. Wadhera with 23 in 12 brought the momentum back in MI’s favour with three boundaries in the last over. 

Krunal Pandya took the blame on himself

Lucknow captain Krunal Pandya was extremely disappointed after the loss. Lucknow failed to go past eliminator in the IPL 2022 as well. Marcus Stoinis was going nicely in the chase but a comical run-out sent him back and Mumbai took control of the game. Lucknow captain Krunal Pandya was disappointed with the loss, He took the blame on himself as well. Krunal played a poor shot to lose his wicket when a partnership was building. He said, “We were in a good position at one stage, but everything started going wrong when I played that shot. We should have played better cricket. This shot was not on and completely takes the blame for that”. Krunal got out trying to hit one of Chawla’s full delivery for a long six. 

'This, we have done over the years', says Rohit

Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma once again proved himself as a leader. Mumbai after initial failures, suffering from multiple injuries, and dealing with the poor form of their top order have qualified for qualifier 2 and are in line for their 6th IPL title. Rohit was extremely happy after the victory and he said, “This is what we have done over the years. People do not expect us to do what we have done but we managed to”. Talking about Akash Madhwal he said, “He was part of the team last year as a support bowler, and once Jofra was gone I knew he had skills and the character to do the job for us.”. Mumbai Indians were on some extra level of agility against Lucknow on the field and saved many runs inside the ring. Captain Rohit too made a few extravagant diving saves in the cover region. 

Akash emerged a hero for MI

Pacer from Uttarakhand, Akash Madhwal had a special game and picked up 5 wickets conceding only 5 in his 3.3 overs. He bowled 18 dot balls. Akash Madhwal, talking about his performance said, “I have been practicing a lot and waiting for my opportunity. I have done engineering, and cricket is my passion and I have been waiting for this opportunity since 2018 when Uttarakhand became an affiliate member”. Talking about his execution Akash said, “When we practice in the nets, the management gives us the target and we try to execute our best”. Madhwal also picked up 4 wickets against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He was awarded Player of the Match after his 5-wicket spell against Lucknow.