Mumbai Indians were handed a six-wicket defeat by Sunrisers Hyderabad in their IPL 2026 match at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday. MI managed 243 for 5 in their 20 overs after being sent in, but the target was never really under control as SRH chased it down comfortably.
Quick facts
- Match: Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2026
- Venue and day: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai — Wednesday
- MI innings: 243/5 in 20 overs
- Result: SRH won by six wickets
- Notable twist: Shardul Thakur, brought in as an Impact Player before the 7th over, did not bowl
- Key batting for MI: Ryan Rickelton scored 123* off 55; Will Jacks made 46 off 22
- Top SRH scores: Travis Head 76 off 30; Heinrich Klaasen 65* off 30
One of the most striking moments came from MI skipper Hardik Pandya’s decision regarding Shardul Thakur. Thakur entered the XI as an Impact Player before the start of the seventh over, yet he was not used for a single delivery during Mumbai’s bowling innings.
Hardik’s reshuffle saw Shardul replace Robin Minz in the playing group. Despite using six bowlers in total—himself and spinner Will Jacks included—Thakur remained unused, leaving a curious blank in MI’s bowling plan.
When the move was questioned after the match, MI batting coach Kieron Pollard admitted he did not have clarity either. Speaking at the post-game press conference in Mumbai, Pollard said he would look into the decision, adding that if Thakur had conceded runs in an over the discussion would have been different.
Rickelton’s milestone, but MI fall short
Ryan Rickelton’s century ultimately couldn’t change the outcome. The left-hander struck his maiden IPL ton as Mumbai posted 243 for 5, reaching the milestone in 44 balls to become the quickest MI batter to do so.
Rickelton and Will Jacks put on 93 runs in 43 balls for the opening wicket, giving MI a strong platform. Jacks was dismissed for 46 off 22, but Rickelton stayed anchored, carrying his bat for 123 off 55 — the highest score by an MI player.
Even with that big total, Mumbai’s chase of the game went wrong in the field and with the ball. MI missed multiple chances, and their bowling also leaked runs, with Jasprit Bumrah among those who struggled.
Bumrah’s spell read 0 for 54 from his four overs, adding to SRH’s momentum as they chipped away at the target. With MI’s options not delivering under pressure, the chase never truly looked in danger.
In reply, Sunrisers Hyderabad were led by Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen. Head struck 76 off 30, while Klaasen finished unbeaten on 65 off 30, and SRH reached the target with eight balls remaining to seal the win.
