Hardik Pandya Mahieka Sharma Rohit Sharma Tilak Varma for Mumbai Indians. Image Credits: AFP/MIMumbai Indians grabbed a thrilling victory against Punjab Kings in their IPL 2026 clash at the at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on May 14.Notably, the match turned into a memorable contest as Tilak Varma played a brilliant unbeaten knock of 75 runs and guided Mumbai Indians to victory in the final over. Moreover, the win brought smiles back into the Mumbai camp after a difficult season.Hardik Pandya Missed PBKS vs MI Match Due To InjuryAt the same time, the absence of Hardik Pandya once again became a major talking point. The Mumbai Indians skipper missed the match due to a back injury. Reports suggest that Hardik Pandya has been training at Reliance Corporate Park late at night. However, the medical team has not yet given him full clearance to return to action. Furthermore, Hardik Pandya did not travel with the squad to Dharamshala and has now missed three consecutive matches. Interestingly, former India captain and selector Kris Srikkanth shared his views after Mumbai Indians' exciting win. Former Indian Selector Praises Jasprit Bumrah's CaptaincyNotably, Srikkanth, who shares a strong bond with MS Dhoni, openly spoke about the noticeable change in the team’s energy. He even suggested that the players looked happier and more united during the game.It is important to note that MS Dhoni and Srikkanth share a long cricket connection. Srikkanth served as the chairman of India’s selection committee during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. He strongly backed Dhoni’s leadership at a crucial stage, and under Dhoni’s captaincy, India lifted the historic World Cup trophy. Since then, Srikkanth has remained one of Dhoni’s well-known supporters in Indian cricket.Meanwhile, in Hardik Pandya’s absence, Jasprit Bumrah took charge as stand-in captain. Suryakumar Yadav was unavailable for personal reasons, so Bumrah had the responsibility of leading a relatively young side.Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth praised Bumrah’s leadership and called it a smart move by the management. He said, “It is a good call. I think Bumrah coming in as captain is a fantastic move.”Furthermore, Srikkanth highlighted how the team looked more relaxed and determined during the contest. He said, “Definitely, definitely there is some issue. Definitely, the team's mood was more lighter. The team suddenly looks more united overall.”Kris Srikkanth Appreciates MI PlayersThe former selector also appreciated the performances of several players. Deepak Chahar bowled well, Raj Angad Bawa impressed with the ball, and Shardul Thakur picked up four important wickets during the middle overs. In addition, Ryan Rickelton provided an aggressive start, while Tilak Varma finished the chase in style.Also Read: Fresh Update Emerges On Hardik Pandya Trade After MI’s IPL 2026 EliminationSrikkanth further added, “Overall, like you said, the will to win, they will to succeed. Even though they were down in the dumps, they showed the will to succeed. That is the key in cricket. That energy was there.”Another interesting point raised by Srikkanth was Bumrah’s positive body language on the field. He mentioned that the pacer constantly encouraged the bowlers and created a calm atmosphere within the side. “And if you look at the bowling too, even Bumrah was smiling continuously. He was giving lots of confidence to the bowlers,” said Srikkanth.Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians will aim to finish the season on a positive note when they face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 20 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Also Read: CSK Pick Khaleel Ahmed’s Replacement For Remainder Of IPL 2026
