![\"\u2018I](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130316913,imgsize-90936,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/hardik-pandya.jpg\" "\\"Hardik")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: Mumbai Indians<\/a> skipper Hardik Pandya<\/a> admitted his side was \u201csearching for answers\u201d after yet another heavy defeat \u2014 a seven-wicket hammering at the hands of Punjab Kings \u2014 as the five-time champions slumped to their fourth loss in five matches and remained at ninth in the IPL 2026 points table.Despite a commanding unbeaten 112 from Quinton de Kock<\/a> powering MI to 195\/6, PBKS made light work of the chase, reaching 198\/3 in just 16.3 overs to extend their unbeaten run and move to the top of the standings with nine points.\u2018We need to go back on the drawing board\u2019<\/span>Speaking after the defeat, Pandya did not hide his frustration as MI\u2019s struggles deepened.\u201cTo be very honest, I don\u2019t have much to say right now. I think we really need to go back on the drawing board and see where we are lacking. Is it individuals? Is it as a group? Is it planning? We\u2019ll just figure it out and see what we can do next,\u201d he said.The MI skipper also hinted at potential changes in the coming games, stressing accountability within the group.\u201cNo, I think we need to see, do we need to make some difficult calls or do we need to keep continuing and hope that we\u2019ll turn things around. These are some harsh questions which eventually we need to answer and yeah, ownership has to be taken.\u201dPandya further conceded that PBKS were superior in all departments.\u201cI think we need to give credit to them as well\u2026 they just outbeat us. They bowled better, they batted better, they fielded better definitely,\u201d he added.Punjab Kings\u2019 calm dominance continues<\/span>Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer praised his side\u2019s composed approach and execution.\u201cCertainly confident and optimistic the way we have been playing. Also we have our heads on our shoulder. I am glad that today we came out and got that victory,\u201d Iyer said.He also highlighted the rise of opener Prabhsimran Singh, who struck a match-winning unbeaten 80 off 39 balls.\u201cHe has certainly raised up his bar\u2026 this year he has been more mature, match by match he is getting more mature,\u201d Iyer added.Prabhsimran credited his calm mindset for the clinical finish, especially after a slow start.\u201cI was just believing in myself\u2026 I thought if I take a little longer, I will be able to play better. So I kept believing in myself,\u201d he said.<\/div>\n