Hardik Pandya and Mumbai Indians’ IPL woes have continued without any clear sign of relief. The five-time champions suffered a seventh defeat of IPL 2026 on Saturday, losing to arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings and sliding to the edge of elimination. MI managed 159/7 after batting first, with Naman Dhir’s half-century standing out as their main source of runs. In reply, CSK chased the target with ease—reaching it with 11 balls remaining and eight wickets in hand—delivering a timely recovery in their season.
Srikkanth’s sharp criticism after MI’s loss
Minutes after the defeat, former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth launched a pointed attack on Hardik Pandya, questioning his captaincy and suggesting that he avoided taking responsibility during periods when the team most needed direction.
- Srikkanth questioned Hardik’s bowling choices in the powerplay, saying the captain chose not to bowl himself and instead handed the overs to Krish Bhagat.
- He argued that Bhagat has been under heavy pressure from opponents, while Hardik’s reluctance to bowl in the early overs left MI exposed when CSK were looking to build momentum.
- On his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said: “Hardik Pandya can’t lay bat on ball, and with the ball also, he is scared. He gives Krish Bhagat the ball in the powerplay instead of bowling himself. Teams are smashing Bhagat, yet Hardik is scared to bowl in the powerplay.”
- He added that MI’s batting and bowling decision-making lacked clarity in crucial phases of the match, stressing that as captain Hardik should have set the right tone in the middle and death overs.
- Srikkanth further remarked: “Hardik Pandya is playing terribly. You are playing as the captain. They had no clue in the middle and end overs. What was Hardik Pandya even trying to do? It was hard to understand. Hereafter, no one will feed balls on a length for Hardik. They’ll only bowl into the body and tuck him up. Teams are completely locking him up.”
Tilak Varma’s form comes under fire
Srikkanth also took aim at Mumbai’s batting backing Tilak Varma, stating that the batter has struggled for runs throughout the season except for a solitary century.
He said: “Tilak Varma then ate ball after ball and that’s where the pressure started. He is playing so ordinarily. Barring that one century, he has struggled big time this season. One sunny day doesn’t make a summer.”
Srikkanth went on to argue that MI should consider making changes, adding: “Likewise, just one good knock won’t do. He should be dropped. He is batting horribly. They must bring some new batter instead.”
