Mumbai Indians are effectively on the brink of elimination from IPL 2026. While there remains a narrow route to qualification based on other results falling their way, Hardik Pandya has largely accepted that this has not been their campaign. The five-time champions have suffered seven defeats and are sitting in ninth place, a combination that has drawn intense criticism—particularly aimed at the captain.
Former India batter Manoj Tiwary believes the problems go beyond captaincy alone. Speaking after Mumbai’s loss to Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on Saturday, Tiwary suggested the season had already slipped out of the team’s control much earlier, even if a mathematical chance still exists.
Tiwary also pointed to Mumbai falling short of the levels they are known for, arguing that the captain has not received enough support from the rest of the squad. He acknowledged that the leadership aspect has not met expectations, but stressed that players have still needed to deliver more consistently. In his view, uneven showings from Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma have played a major part in the team’s struggles.
“For me, it’s over. It was over a long time back. The type of cricket that we got to see… the captain has to win the confidence of each of the players. You have to be the leader. But it seems Hardik has no one with him. He is not getting the kind of support that he should be getting. Yes, a captain has a role to play, which I feel he is not able to do, but other players also have to stand up. Suryakumar Yadav has not been able to perform consistently. Tilak scored in one game but did not score in the others. If there is so much inconsistency among players, how will you be able to get results? This is disappointing. This is no longer a Classico, because Chennai have won six of the last six matches,” Tiwary said.
Suryakumar’s numbers underline the inconsistency. He has struck at a strike rate of 144 in IPL 2026, but runs have not come often enough. From nine innings, he has managed an average of only 20.33, scoring 183 runs in total so far.
Tilak, meanwhile, has been among Mumbai’s bright spots at least once this season. He struck an unbeaten 101 against Gujarat Titans, but outside that landmark effort, his returns have been limited—he has scored 92 runs across his other eight innings combined.
In addition to form concerns, Mumbai’s recent selection and availability have been affected by injuries. Rohit Sharma has missed each of the team’s last five matches after being sidelined with a hamstring injury, with no official update yet on when he will return. Jasprit Bumrah has also not been at his usual wicket-taking level this season, picking up only three wickets so far.
