Mumbai Indians all-rounder Corbin Bosch has said that missing regular captain Hardik Pandya has made the campaign far more challenging for the five-time IPL winners. Bosch pointed to a season where Mumbai have struggled to bounce back from turning points that have repeatedly gone against them, leaving the franchise with little room to recover.
The defending team’s IPL 2026 play-off hopes were officially ended after a close defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur on Sunday. Pandya was not available for that match due to a back spasm, meaning Mumbai had to navigate another key game without their senior leader.
Quick facts
- Mumbai Indians were eliminated from the IPL 2026 playoff race after losing narrowly to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur on Sunday.
- Hardik Pandya missed the RCB match because of a back spasm.
- This was the third league match of the season that Pandya sat out for Mumbai.
- Earlier, he missed an away game versus Delhi Capitals and a home fixture against Lucknow Super Giants.
- Corbin Bosch spoke ahead of Mumbai’s upcoming meeting with Punjab Kings.
- India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav led Mumbai in all three matches in Pandya’s absence and is expected to captain again vs Punjab Kings on Thursday.
- Mumbai are second from bottom in the 10-team points table.
Bosch, speaking before Mumbai’s clash with Punjab Kings, acknowledged that the squad has clearly felt Pandya’s absence in two ways—both in the leadership department and in his impact as a player. Still, he insisted that the group must keep progressing despite the setback and the disruption to their usual rhythm.
“It’s been tough,” Bosch told reporters on the eve of the Punjab Kings game. He described Pandya as not just a leader, but also a “fantastic cricketer,” adding that Mumbai have missed his presence during the on-field moments that often swing matches.
Bosch also suggested that the people making decisions around Pandya are focused on what is best for him and for the team. He said the situation has been complicated, but that cricket continues and Mumbai still have to approach each match with clarity and intent.
Captaincy and season context
In Pandya’s absence, Suryakumar Yadav has captained Mumbai in all three matches so far. With another game scheduled against Punjab Kings on Thursday, Bosch indicated that the same arrangement could be in place again, with Yadav leading the side once more.
Mumbai currently occupy the second-last spot in the 10-team standings, and Bosch believes their biggest problem has been the inability to assemble a full, balanced performance. He highlighted the way games have played out for the team—sometimes the bowlers deliver while the batters struggle, and at other times the roles are reversed.
“We just have not put together a complete game,” Bosch said. He added that the side has also failed to deliver the key moments Mumbai teams are usually known for turning into wins, describing it as a major reason behind the disappointing run.
Further into his assessment, Bosch pointed to the possibility of missed opportunities at critical stages—chances that could have shifted momentum the other way. He called it a “multitude of things,” but maintained that the team will continue to prepare for each contest with a mindset of leaving no stone unturned.
