Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav for MI in IPL 2026. PC- AFP
The Mumbai Indians (MI) had one of their worst seasons in the IPL 2026, finishing in the penultimate spot. Although Hardik Pandya was MI's designated captain for the season, Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah also led the five-time champions during the woeful season.
Pandya, who was traded from the Gujarat Titans, had two out of three poor seasons as captain for Mumbai. The 32-year-old, who has a winning percentage of 52.85% in IPL, has just 38% as a Mumbai captain.
Not just Pandya the captain disappointed MI; they were left in deep waters by the star batter Suryakumar Yadav, who could slam a meagre 270 runs at an average of 20.77.
No immediate action to be taken against Hardik Pandya
After the season, reports began circulating that the franchise was letting go of Hardik Pandya, who himself hinted at the same on Instagram.
While putting the argument to rest, Cricbuzz's renowned journalist Vijay Tagore stated that the Mumbai Indians and Hardik Pandya may soon reach a mutual understanding, though he didn't speculate in his report.
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"There will be a meeting between the franchise management and Hardik to discuss the way forward for both the team and the player. Any decision, sources said, will be taken in the interest of both parties. Whether that results in his retention, release or a trade will be decided at that stage," the report stated.
The prolific all-rounder, who faced a back spasm during the IPL 2026, took a small breather before reporting at the Centre of Excellence ahead of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan.
Reportedly, Pandya has been cleared to bowl in the upcoming bilateral series after being picked in the IND vs AFG on the subject of fitness.
Suryakumar Yadav might not face axing from MI
Furthermore, the report also mentioned that MI's batter, Suryakumar Yadav. Otherwise, going from bad to worse, he might be retained despite having one of his worst seasons in terms of numbers.
"His (SKY) future with Mumbai Indians, however, appears secure for now. There is no immediate indication of the franchise releasing or trading him," the report added.
Recently, the T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav lost his job in the Indian T20I team. Not only was he removed as the skipper, but he also was dropped from the side, as Shreyas Iyer succeeded him.
Nevertheless, Suryakumar has regained his lost touch in the ongoing T20 Mumbai League. Playing for the Triumph Knights Mumbai North East, he has scored 143 runs in four innings at an average of 47.67 with a strike rate of 185.71.
MI's downfall since 2020
The five-time champions haven't won an IPL title since 2020, and since then, they have finished twice at the bottom of the points table, along with the ninth place in IPL 2026.
Not just Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, but match-winners like Jasprit Bumrah and Tilak Varma had dull campaigns.
Having said that, MI might not be making many changes, unlike other franchises.
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