They were once known as the strongest and smartest franchise in the tournament but now look completely broken both on and off the field. Their painful two-wicket defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) officially ended their playoff hopes for IPL 2026.
With only three wins in 11 matches, the Mumbai Indians are now sitting near the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table, and fans are demanding major changes before the next season. The biggest talking point is now Hardik Pandya’s future as captain.
Here are the 5 reasons why Mumbai Indians must part ways with Hardik Pandya—
Hardik Pandya’s return to the Mumbai Indians as captain before IPL 2024 was expected to start a new era for the franchise after Rohit Sharma’s successful leadership that saw them win five titles. But the last three seasons have turned into a nightmare for MI under Hardik’s captaincy.
However, they improved in the 2025 season, as they reached the playoffs. Now, in IPL 2026, the situation has become even worse as the team continues to struggle with poor bowling plans, confusing tactics, and inconsistent performances.The
Diminishing All-Round Returns
Hardik Pandya’s performances as an all-rounder have also come under heavy criticism. He was once considered one of India’s most dangerous all-rounders, but the MI skipper has struggled to make a strong impact with both bat and ball since returning to the franchise from Gujarat Titans.
At the same time, Hardik’s bowling performances have also declined sharply. Opposition batters have targeted him regularly, and his economy rate has become a major headache for MI. Over the last three seasons, he managed only 11 wickets, averaging 35.18 and an economy rate of 10.75 in 2024 and 14 wickets in 2025 at an average of 24.42 and an economy rate of 9.77.
Hardik Pandya's controversial appointment as MI captain broke the bond that once made the franchise a successful franchise under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. The reported divide and rift inside the dressing room have been troubling the Mumbai Indians since his return in 2024.
Even Hardik’s style is not liked by many. Body language and visible frustration during games are undeniable to notice, and all these factors eventually played a major role in the team’s downfall.
Poor bowling performance in recent IPLs
Pandya has taken only 11 wickets in 2024 at an average of 35.18 and economy of 10.75; 14 wickets in 2025 at an average of 24.42 and economy of 9.77; and just 4 wickets so far in IPL 2026 at a poor average of 61.50 and economy rate of 11.90.
Better alternatives ready to take over
Bumrah is seen as someone who can rebuild the team culture and bring stability back to the franchise. He has also been loyal to the franchise since his debut and has captaincy experience, having led India in Tests and T20I cricket in the past.
He successfully captained India to the Asia Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026 titles and won many bilateral series both at home and away. So, he can be a great option for the franchise for the next three-year cycle, and teams will build a fresh squad in the 2027 mega auction.
He understands match situations smartly, has captaincy experience, having led India A and Hyderabad in domestic cricket, and also has an exceptional temperament under pressure. These factors make him the ideal man to lead MI.
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