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Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth has launched a scathing critique of Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar, questioning their place in the Mumbai Indians lineup for the 2026 IPL season. In a blunt assessment, Srikkanth urged the franchise management to consider paying the duo to stay away from the squad for the remainder of the tournament, clearly unimpressed by their recent contributions on the field.
Kris Srikkanth highlights Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar's rusty show
This harsh commentary followed a demoralising defeat for the Mumbai Indians at the hands of the Punjab Kings at Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, April 16. Despite putting up 195 runs, Mumbai’s total was deemed insufficient on a pitch conducive to batting, especially under the influence of dew. The Punjab Kings made the chase look effortless, reaching the target in just 16.2 overs and exposing significant flaws in Mumbai’s bowling strategy.
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Tactical missteps were evident early on, as Mumbai chose not to open the bowling with their premier strike bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. Instead, Deepak Chahar took the new ball and immediately leaked 21 runs, effectively allowing the Punjab batting order to settle in. From there, Prabhsimran Singh, who smashed 80 off 39 balls, and captain Shreyas Iyer, who contributed a composed 66 off 35 balls, dominated the attack with little resistance.
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'Pay them their money and request them not to return'
The performance of the bowling unit was particularly disastrous. While Jasprit Bumrah went wicketless and conceded 41 runs in his four overs, the combination of Shardul and Chahar proved even more expensive, leaking 87 runs in just 5.3 overs. Their inability to contain the batsmen forced captain Hardik Pandya to curtail their usage, as the two bowlers were hit to all parts of the ground throughout their spells.
"I don't know how MI are playing Deepak Chahar in the XI. I don't know why they retained him. First over, he gave away 21 runs. In the previous match, it was 22 runs. 2.3 overs, 45 runs," Srikkanth said on his YouTube show.
"Our sir, Shardul Thakur. 3 overs, 42 runs. Combined, they bowled 5.3 overs and 87 runs. How can you win a match if two of your important bowlers are giving away 87 runs in 5.3 overs? How can you play both of them in the XI? I asked that question in the pre-match show? Are you saying they don't have any good bowling options?
"Send them home. Pay them their money and request them not to return this season. Tell them if they are needed, they will be called. Yes, you can do this. It's not wrong," Srikkanth added.
Looking to snap a run of four consecutive defeats, Mumbai Indians will take on Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on April 20.
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