The Mumbai Indians are contemplating a change in captaincy following Hardik Pandya’s difficult season in IPL 2026, which saw the team finish with only 4 wins and 10 defeats. After their final match against the Rajasthan Royals, MI batting coach Kieron Pollard suggested that the team management will review their performance and potential changes.
Pollard indicated that the team will assess their shortcomings from the season and that Hardik Pandya’s role as captain is likely to be re-evaluated.
Kieron Pollard Discusses Future Plans
Kieron Pollard acknowledged that the team’s desired outcomes were not met due to various reasons. He pointed out the stark contrast between their third-place finish last season and their ninth-place standing in the current ten-team league, highlighting a significant lack of consistency. Pollard stated that the management will convene to strategize on how to steer the team back to success before the next season.
“Yes, it might not have gone as well as he would have wanted, what we would have wanted, but I wouldn’t question anything at this time. Twelve months ago, we finished third. Now again, we finished ninth. Those are the inconsistencies we will have to address. We will sit and talk, lick our wounds, and hopefully come back stronger in 10 months,” Kiron Pollard said to the media at the press conference.
MI’s IPL Performance Since 2022
2022: 10th
2023: Eliminated in Qualifier 2
2024: 10th
2025: Eliminated in Qualifier 2
2026: 9th
Hardik Pandya’s Inconsistent Individual Performance
There is no doubt that Hardik Pandya’s performance throughout IPL 2026 was below par. As the leader of a highly regarded team, the star all-rounder faced considerable criticism for some of his on-field decisions. Furthermore, his individual contributions as a player were also unremarkable.
Hardik, who joined IPL 2026 after winning the 2026 T20 World Cup, scored only 206 runs in 10 matches with a strike rate of 138. He also managed to take just 4 wickets with an economy rate of nearly 12. As Kieron Pollard alluded to, the captain’s personal performance warrants scrutiny.
The team itself was not lacking in talent and was considered a strong contender for the playoffs. However, the disappointing reality has been difficult for the Mumbai Indians management and their devoted fanbase to accept.
Missed Opportunity in the Final Match
In their final game against the Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians were in a position to secure a victory. Hardik Pandya, who was well-set in the middle, had an opportunity to be the match-winner. He himself admitted at the presentation ceremony that the target was achievable. Chasing Rajasthan’s score of 205, Mumbai could only manage 175 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 20 overs. Hardik Pandya was dismissed after scoring 34 runs off 15 balls.
“It was quite hot as well, bowlers did a pretty good job. It was chaseable, we just lost a lot of wickets in the powerplay, and then it was always a catch-up game,” the Mumbai Indians captain stated after the match.
