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Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) legend Ambati Rayudu has issued a blunt critique of Hardik Pandya’s recent conduct and performance. Amid a dismal IPL 2026 campaign, Rayudu urged the current Mumbai Indians skipper to set aside any 'arrogance' and refocus on his fundamentals. The criticism comes at a low point for the franchise, which currently languishes in ninth place on the points table under Pandya's leadership.
Rayudu has an advice to Pandya amidst MI's struggles in IPL 2026
Pandya’s personal form has been equally concerning, with his contributions failing to meet the high standards expected of a premier all-rounder. Across eight matches, he has managed only 146 runs at a lackluster average of 21 and a strike rate of 136. His inability to find his rhythm was particularly evident during the May 2 loss to CSK, where he labored through a 23-ball 18, a struggling innings that anchored Mumbai to a sub-par total of 159.
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The situation is even more dire on the bowling front. Pandya has struggled to provide breakthroughs, claiming only four wickets all season at an expensive average of 61.5. His economy rate, which has ballooned to nearly 12 runs per over, has made him a target for opposition batters and placed immense pressure on the rest of the bowling attack.
Reflecting on these struggles during an interview with ESPNCricinfo, Rayudu analysed the mental hurdles that may be plaguing the captain. He emphasised that when a player is mired in a slump, it is vital to be 'smart and humble in their approach. Rayudu suggested that acknowledging the dip in form and adjusting his game accordingly, rather than relying on bravado, could be the key to Pandya turning his season around.
"It happens to most of the batters at some point in their careers for sure. The only thing is you need to have a way out and also realize and accept that I am not in form. You need to maybe rotate strike a little more, get off strike, choose and pick your moments and bowlers and be smart about it rather than be arrogant about it," he said.
"A lot of these middle to lower order batters drag the ball mostly onto the on side. And when you are not used to the ball moving away from you, especially during the last 6-7 overs, you are not set up to hit over point or use the pace on the off side. That is what he should have done. He should have just taken a little bit of room and maybe tried to hit the bowler over point or third-man," he added.
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Hardik Pandya's captaincy under strict scrutiny
The struggles at MI extend far beyond the captain, as a significant portion of the roster is currently grappling with a loss of form. This widespread inconsistency has prevented the team from establishing a settled starting XI, leading to frequent tactical shifts and a lack of cohesion on the field. Consequently, Pandya’s leadership has come under intense scrutiny, with critics questioning whether the collective slump is a reflection of his captaincy. The statistical reality for the five-time champions is increasingly grim, as they have secured only two victories in nine outings. Currently mired in a three-match losing streak—having already endured a separate four-game slide earlier in the season, the team’s playoff hopes are fading rapidly.
MI will next host the tenth-placed Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where both teams will be desperate to find a spark and salvage what remains of their IPL 2026 campaign.
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