It has been a difficult stretch for Mumbai Indians, and the pattern that used to allow them to accelerate after early setbacks has not materialised this time. With the IPL 2026 well into its second half, MI find themselves close to being eliminated from the playoff hunt. After losing six of their eight matches, they must win each of their remaining six games and still rely on results going their way elsewhere.
Debate grows after another defeat
- Virender Sehwag pushed back on the idea that the team’s struggles can be pinned on Hardik Pandya’s leadership alone.
- Sehwag argued that the core problem is execution, saying MI are failing to carry out their stated plans—particularly when breakthroughs are required.
- He noted that wickets are the only reliable way to control the opposition, adding that without dismissals, runs keep flowing.
- Sehwag contrasted the current bowling with earlier seasons, when Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult often provided early strikes and set the tone.
- He also suggested Bumrah’s expense in the latest outing has been a factor, while stressing that the overall bowling execution has not met standards.
Sehwag further pointed to MI’s use of Shardul Thakur as an impact player, stating that the move did not translate into any noticeable effect during the match. During the discussion, Murali Kartik admitted he could not make sense of why at least one over from Thakur was not delivered, given his reputation as a wicket-taking option. Kartik added that whenever Thakur has been given the ball, he has tended to take wickets, and he questioned why he was not utilised in this case. In his view, the captain may be attempting to address issues, but the bowling has been “very poor”.
- As questions about MI’s bowling and Bumrah’s form continued, batting coach Kieron Pollard stepped in to back Bumrah.
- Pollard urged patience, pointing to the pace spearhead’s role within the side and insisting that criticism should be viewed with context as MI navigate a challenging season.
- He made his remarks after MI suffered a heavy six-wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
- In that contest, even a daunting team total of 243 was not enough for MI to defend.
- Bumrah, despite being one of MI’s key bowlers, has taken only two wickets in eight IPL 2026 matches so far, though he remains MI’s most economical bowler.
Pollard defended Bumrah by highlighting the added stress that comes with being under constant public scrutiny. In the post-match press conference, he said that players are always in the spotlight, so when results go against them, it becomes amplified. He compared it to how ordinary people can correct mistakes in workplaces, whereas cricketers do not get the same opportunity to edit the narrative once performances are judged. Pollard then expressed confidence that Bumrah would respond and “bounce back to greater heights”, taking wickets as the season progresses.
