After a terrible IPL 2026 season for both the player and the team, Hardik Pandya is expected to lose his position as captain of the Mumbai Indians.
With just four wins in 14 games, the five-time winners finished seventh in the IPL 2026. Because of a higher net run rate, they avoided being at the bottom of the table despite finishing tied on points with the Lucknow Super Giants. From a personal perspective, the all-rounder has likewise had a poor season, taking just four wickets at an economy of 11.43 and scoring just 206 runs at a strike rate of 138.26.
According to the Indian Express, the MI management will not keep the Hardik Pandya as captain going forward, and discussions about his position in the team are also taking place.
“There were enough signs during the season that the team management wasn’t keen to retain him as captain. There is a clear buzz in the camp,” a source in the report was quoted as saying.
Following his controversial return to the team in 2024, when he succeeded Rohit Sharma as captain, Hardik Pandya served as the Mumbai Indians’ captain for three seasons in 2026. After a miserable last-place finish in 2024, they made a playoff push in 2025 before losing to the Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2.
“There will be serious introspection and discussion in the coming days. Every option would be weighed. Many questions need to be addressed. Going ahead, can Hardik Pandya be the captain? Does he stay in the team just as a player?” a franchise insider said according to the same report.
According to a source, during the team meeting following MI’s 30-run defeat to the Rajasthan Royals, the coaching staff gave the older players harsh feedback on their behaviour and mannerisms throughout the season. Despite taking regular wickets, MI let up a score of 205 and were unable to chase it down since they lost four wickets during the powerplay.
“The coaching staff was very clear in their message to the senior players that wherever they play, they need to be coachable. There were many instances where the coaching staff recommended something which was backed by data but players didn’t follow it,” another source stated.
For the five-time winners of the prestigious T20 event in 2026, the powerplay was a major problem. They have the third-lowest batting average in the league, scoring just 148.61 in the first six overs. This season, a common occurrence has been a steady loss of wickets during the powerplay. With 27 wickets lost during the powerplay, MI is tied for second place in the league.
“We haven’t been able to use the Powerplay like some of the more successful teams this IPL. We haven’t moved with the times,” said another source.
According to additional reports, the team’s administration and decision-makers are currently taking a holiday. After that, they will reassemble and make decisions about the season and future plans.
