Mumbai Indians (MI) failed to win against their arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their IPL 2026 clash on Thursday, April 23 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Mumbai's star-studded batting lineup collapsed against CSK's disciplined bowling performance. But, the focus stays on captain Hardik Pandya's underwhelming form in the ongoing season.
Hardik's underwhelming form in IPL 2026
After playing seven games in IPL 2026, Hardik Pandya managed to score only 97 runs in six innings at an average of 19.40, with a strike rate of 140.58. His best score of 40 off 22 balls came in a loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). With the ball, the former Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper claimed only three wickets at a high economy rate of 12.67.
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Hardik's failed outing vs CSK
In yesterday's game against CSK, Hardik Pandya was dismissed by Noor Ahmad after scoring one run off 2 balls. In the first innings, Hardik failed to strike a wicket with the ball after leaking 38 runs in just two overs at an economy rate of 19.00.
Mahela Jayawardene opens up on Hardik's concerning form
However, the MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene has defended his captain after a forgetful outing against CSK saying that he has been doing well with the bat and bowled really well in the first few games of the season. The former Sri Lanka batter blamed the entire unit for creating a lack of impact against opponents.
"I don’t think, to be honest. It is not a concern. He started well. In the first few games with the ball, he bowled really well. Overall, as a unit, we haven’t been consistent. But we haven’t picked up early wickets, we haven’t managed to control things in the way conditions and stuff like that, so that’s an overall thing," said Jayawardene in the post-game press-conference.
Jayawardene went on to say that the batting has done well in certain patches but not failed to continue the consistency and the whole team needs to boost their game.
"And if you look at it in batting as well, we’ve been good, but we have some patches that we haven’t been consistent, so it’s not one individual, it’s as a team, we all have to improve," concluded Jayawardene.
Mumbai Indians' flop show in IPL 2026
After losing against CSK, the Hardik Pandya-led side sit at the eight place in the table with just four points in hand after playing seven matches in IPL 2026 at a net run rate of -0.736.
It will be interesting to see if the Mumbai-based side can turn the tables in their favor to reach the playoffs just like the old times.