More

    Former CSK star gives massive verdict on Hardik Pandya’s captaincy and MI future amid IPL 2026

    Gossip
    Runfyers
    0

    Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Subramaniam Badrinath believes Hardik Pandya has been a massive letdown as Mumbai Indians (MI) captain in the ongoing IPL 2026. The five-time champions are reeling at ninth on the points table with only three wins in 11 outings.

    As a result, they have already been eliminated from playoff contention, with Hardik missing the last two matches due to back spasms. Furthermore, the Hardik Pandya captaincy era has been full of disappointments for the franchise, with them finishing at the bottom of the standings in 2024.

    After a playoff run last year, MI have once again underachieved under the veteran all-rounder this season.

    Talking about Hardik’s captaincy on Star Sports, Badrinath said (10:56):

    “He has not been great as captain. When you show such results with this team, the captain is responsible. The reasons could be outside cricket too, like the team environment or injuries. But the captain, being the most powerful and influential, has to take blame, whatever be the reason.”

    He added:

    “Maybe a change of guard is likely. It won’t be a surprise at all if there is a change in MI captaincy after this season because Hardik has been below-par. I don’t believe in playing for pride but MI can play these last three matches without any pressure, which is rare in professional cricket.”

    Suryakumar Yadav has led MI in the three matches Hardik has missed this season, but the side has won only one out of those three games.

    “Even the players have self-doubt and lose confidence” – S Badrinath on MI

    Subramaniam Badrinath believes constant chopping and changing of the lineups has resulted in MI’s dismal showing in IPL 2026. As many as 24 players have already played for the side this season, with three matches still remaining.

    “They’ve made 26 changes, which means almost the full squad has played. 26 changes in 11 games means they are literally making three changes per match. When you make so many changes, even the players have self-doubt and lose confidence. MI have too many questions to answer for this season,” said Badrinath (via the aforementioned source).

    Playing only for pride the rest of the season, MI will take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Dharamsala tonight (May 13), followed by games against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR).