Mumbai Indians (MI) have officially been eliminated from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. This came after a tough loss that saw one of their former stars play a key role in their downfall. Krunal Pandya, who spent six years with MI, was the standout performer in the match, scoring an impressive 73 runs. His efforts helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secure a two-wicket victory and climb to the top of the points table.
Krunal, visibly emotional after the game, spoke to the broadcasters about his time with MI and his relationship with Kieron Pollard. The 36-year-old referred to Pollard as his “big brother” and shared fond memories of their time together. He recalled how the Pandya brothers and Pollard were instrumental in winning three IPL titles.
“I had my best six years with MI,” Krunal said. “Remember when the Pandya brothers and Kieron Pollard were the engine room, and we had won a lot of matches, with the bat and ball as well in the field.” His voice cracked as he tried to hold back his emotions, showing just how much this moment meant to him.
The RCB star also shared a special memory of the bond he had with Pollard before the final game for MI in 2021. At that time, the trio held hands, knowing it would be their last game together. It was a deeply emotional moment for Krunal, who still cherishes the connection with Pollard. He described Pollard as a “terrific person” and one of the greatest players in the format.
“He always used to say, ‘Can’t keep a good man down,’” Krunal added, reflecting on the West Indian’s words that inspired him during those moments.
Defending champions close to playoff qualification
With this win, Rajat Patidar and his team are now at the top of the table with 14 points from 11 games. The defending champions have three games left in the league phase and only need one more win to secure a spot in the top four.
Their next match is against the Kolkata Knight Riders at home on Wednesday. Following that, they will travel to Dharamshala to face the Punjab Kings and conclude the league phase with a game against the Sunrisers in Hyderabad.
This performance by RCB has shown their strength and determination as they look to make a strong push for the playoffs. With key players like Krunal Pandya performing at their best, the team is in a good position to continue their success in the remaining games.
As the IPL 2026 season continues, fans are eagerly watching to see if RCB can maintain their momentum and reach the finals. For Mumbai Indians, the elimination marks the end of a challenging campaign, but it also serves as a reminder of the legacy they have built over the years.
