Mumbai Indians’ poor performance continues in IPL 2026. So far this season, Mumbai has suffered 5 defeats in 7 matches. At the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Indians suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Chennai Super Kings. After this defeat, questions have been raised on both Hardik Pandya’s captaincy and his individual performance. Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has criticized many of Hardik’s decisions after this defeat and advised him to take responsibility for his mistakes.
Irfan Pathan raised questions on Pandya’s decisions
During the match, Sanju Samson scored a blistering century for Chennai; It was an innings that took his team to a huge score. However, during this phase of the game, Mumbai’s young bowler, Krish Bhagat was sent to bowl against Samson in the 16th and 20th overs. Irfan Pathan called it a wrong decision. He argued that the captain should have taken the responsibility himself, instead of handing over crucial overs to a young bowler against an established batsman. In those two overs, Krish Bhagat gave away a total of 31 runs—a costly mistake that cost the team dearly. Talking about Hardik Pandya on his YouTube channel, Irfan Pathan said, “You are handing over the 16th over to a bowler who is playing only his second match in the IPL—and that too against the in-form Sanju Samson. It was not a good decision at all. Moreover, you are handing over the last over to the same bowler, again against Samson; that is also not a wise idea. You have to take responsibility. A captain As such, you should take the lead and take decisions.”
Criticism regarding bad batting
Irfan also raised questions about Hardik’s batting. He pointed out that since 2023, Hardik has failed to score a single half-century in the IPL. Although changes to his batting stance have improved his performance against fast bowlers, his performance has weakened when facing spin bowling. In this match too, he could score only 1 run. Keeping this in mind, Irfan said, “Even during your batting, you tried to play a big shot right at the beginning. Of course there was pressure, but you yourself are not in form right now. Since 2023, Hardik has not scored a single half-century in the IPL. He needs to use his footwork properly against the spinners. He has changed his stance, made it a little wider. On one hand, it has given him While it helps him play more effectively against fast bowlers, it has had a negative impact on his performance against spin. We saw something similar during the T20 World Cup.”
