IPL 2021, SRH vs MI: Rohit Sharma backs Hardik Pandya ahead of ICC World T20 2021

Defending champion Mumbai Indians (MI) has been knocked out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Although it won its final game against former champion SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi by 42 runs, it wasn't enough as it had won by an improbable margin of 171 runs to seal its playoffs berth.

Meanwhile, following its failure to do so, MI skipper Rohit Sharma reasoned the mid-season break for the dreadful performance, winning just three of the seven matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) leg. However, he backed the side to come strong in IPL 2022.

FULL SCORECARD: IPL 2021 - SRH vs MI

"We had won the trophy here last year, so the conditions were not alien for us. The thing was the momentum we had created with two back-to-back wins in Delhi, we wanted to continue that, but unfortunately, because of what was happening in the country, there was a break," he said during the post-match press conference.

"When you want to win games, championships, everyone needs to come together. And, that is what we had been doing successfully in the last few years. That's the hallmark of this team, to come collectively and perform. We don't tend to rely on one or two individuals. We always believe in everyone coming together and chipping in with those performances. That didn't happen this year. So that was a bit disappointing. But I don't want to take anything away from the guys. We've had two successful campaigns back-to-back. This wasn't our year," he added.

Catch all IPL 2021 updates here

On the other hand, all-rounder Hardik Pandya's unstable form was also in question, considering that he would feature for Team India in the upcoming ICC World T20, being held in the gulf from October 17. Nonetheless, Rohit backed him to come good in the global competition, citing his top quality.

"As far as his batting is concerned, yes, he'll be a little disappointed, but we know the quality of him. He is a quality player, there is no doubt about that, and he has come back from tough situations before as well. He will not be happy with his batting, but the team has confidence in his ability. I personally have confidence in his ability," he reckoned.

ALSO READ: IPL 2021, SRH vs MI: Here's how social media reacted as Hyderabad denies Mumbai playoffs berth

"When you look at him, he's getting better every time that he goes on to the field. A player like him is probably just one good innings away from getting back to his natural way. We've seen that he's done it before as well. If I have to put everything together, I'm personally very confident of his ability, and there's no doubt that he will be a valuable asset," he concluded.