Mumbai Indians (MI) are going through one of their worst campaigns as they have picked up six defeats in eight outings in the ongoing IPL 2026. Amid such a terrible time, Hardik Pandya's captaincy is facing heavy criticism because of lack of positive results despite having a solid side.
Pommie Mbangwa backs Hardik Pandya
Fans are calling for Hardik's removal as he has failed to produce good results since coming back in the side as a skipper. In all of this, the former Gujarat Titans skipper has found backing from former Zimbabwe cricketer Pommie Mbangwa.
In a recent discussion with Cricbuzz, Mbangwa supported Hardik Pandya, saying that the defeats cannot be pinned solely on the skipper, but are an outcome of the team's overall performance.
"I would have a review of things. Remember when, in 2024, he endured a tough time throughout the IPL, and he ended up doing well for India at the T20 World Cup. Maybe the conditions haven’t been accurate for him as well. So you need both those things. It’s easy to say, ‘Oh, we’re losing. It’s the skipper’s fault. Change him.’ That’s not the answer," said Mbangwa.
Mbangwa further said that if MI wants to change their skipper, then they need to identify the next leader for the side. And unfortunately, there is no other choice except Hardik Pandya at the current point of time.
"You’ve got to have everybody on the same page, let’s look under each stone and then make a decision. Who is the next leader for the group? It might yet be Hardik. So don’t discount that, but don’t behave like there aren’t issues,” added Mbangwa.
Hardik Pandya's underwhelming season
In the ongoing IPL 2026, Hardik Pandya has looked like a shadow of his former self, scoring only 128 runs in seven matches at an average of 21.33 with strike rate clocking at 152.38.
With the ball, Hardik has failed to create an impact, picking up only four wickets at an economy rate of 12.27, with his best figures of 1/18 came against Gujarat Titans.
Mumbai Indians' disappointing form in IPL 2026
Mumbai Indians kicked off the season with a great note, securing a commanding win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their season opener, but things took a sharp turn afterwards. After eight games, the Hardik Pandya-led side secured only two wins. The Mumbai-based franchise sit at ninth place with just four points in hand at a net run rate of -0.784.