Former India captain Kris Srikkanth feels Mumbai Indians have rediscovered the intensity and control that have defined them in the past, even after being without captain Hardik Pandya. Pandya missed Mumbai’s most recent three matches, and in that window the franchise showed a different rhythm under a new skipper.
Quick facts
- Hardik Pandya missed Mumbai Indians’ last three matches due to a back spasm.
- Pandya first sat out MI’s match versus Lucknow Super Giants on May 4 at home.
- Pandya also missed the game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur, despite travelling with the squad.
- Suryakumar Yadav captained Mumbai Indians in Pandya’s absence.
- Jasprit Bumrah led MI to a six-wicket win over Punjab Kings in Dharamsala.
- Punjab Kings posted 200/8, with Shardul Thakur taking four wickets and Deepak Chahar claiming two.
- Mumbai chased the target in 19.5 overs, powered by Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 75 off 33 balls.
- Srikkanth said Bumrah’s captaincy and the team’s lighter, more united mood made a noticeable difference.
- Next match for Mumbai Indians: versus Kolkata Knight Riders on May 20, with Pandya expected to return.
Srikkanth pointed to the immediate impact of Bumrah taking over, calling it a “fantastic move.” He also suggested the players’ collective mindset improved once Pandya was not part of the playing XI, with the dressing room looking more relaxed and tightly knit.
Pandya’s absence began with MI’s home fixture against Lucknow Super Giants on May 4, where he was ruled out due to the back spasm. He then missed Mumbai’s encounter with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur, even though he made the trip with the team.
In that period, Suryakumar Yadav captained the side. Mumbai’s preparations continued without Pandya as well for the trip to Dharamsala, where MI secured a six-wicket victory over Punjab Kings—after Suryakumar missed that match too, following the birth of his child.
Bumrah’s debut as skipper
When Bumrah took charge, the change in leadership translated into an emphatic chase. Punjab Kings put up 200/8, but Mumbai kept their composure and went after the target in a controlled manner.
Under Bumrah’s captaincy, Shardul Thakur led the wicket-taking effort with four scalps, while Deepak Chahar took two. With the ball covering the key moments, MI entered the chase with momentum and never allowed Punjab to settle.
Tilak Varma provided the finishing edge, smashing 75 not out off just 33 deliveries as Mumbai chased down the target in 19.5 overs. Srikkanth highlighted the way the innings started aggressively, with Ryan Rickleton striking early and setting the tone.
On his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said the skipper’s switch felt like a positive decision, stressing how relaxed and confident Bumrah looked on the field. He added that Bumrah’s body language—smiling and backing his bowlers—helped players like Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur trust their execution, instead of leaking runs through loose deliveries.
The former India captain also described a shift in team atmosphere. In his view, the mood was lighter without Hardik, and the unit appeared more united overall, with contributions coming from multiple players rather than relying on one individual.
Srikkanth further noted that the match demonstrated a strong “will to win,” even when the side had been under pressure. He believed that energy—visible in bowling effort, fielding confidence, and batting intent—was the deciding factor in how Mumbai responded during the absence of their regular captain.
Looking ahead, Mumbai Indians are set to face Kolkata Knight Riders on May 20. Pandya is expected to return and lead the team again for that contest.
