Hardik Pandya's Mumbai Indians have endured a disappointing start to the IPL 2026, securing only one victory in the first five games. Ahead of facing Gujarat Titans in their upcoming game, former RCB skipper Faf du Plessis has shared an unique take on the five-time IPL champions.
Faf du Plessis drops interesting theory on MI's dip in IPL 2026
From the current set-up of MI, four players represented the Indian team in the T20 World Cup 2026 triumph, which included the likes of Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma and Jasprit Bumrah. Interestingly all the aforementioned players are not performing as per the expectations from them.
In an interaction with ESPNcricinfo, Du Plesis pointed out an interesting analogy, saying that India's T20 World Cup 2026 triumph could be the reason for MI's recent struggles, as most of the international Indian players are not going through best of seasons in IPL 2026.
"You look right through the IPL and there's quite a lot of the Indian players from the T20 World Cup that are not having amazing campaigns. So, it shows you there's a level. When the team has done such great things and has had such success, how do you make sure your desire and your hunger is as much, because we're not machines, right? We're human beings. So how do you maximize your intensity, your hunger to do well every game?
Although Faf du Plessis admitted it is not the sole reason, it is certainly one of the contributing factors.
"And not that that's a reason, but it's interesting that there's quite a few of the international Indian players that hasn't been red hot through this IPL. It's the guys under them that's been the talks of the town,"
Rohit Sharma to make a return against Gujarat Titans?
After the injury, Rohit Sharma missed the game against Punjab Kings, where MI picked up their fourth successive loss in the ongoing season. Ahead of their clash against Gujarat Titans on Sunday, rumors on Rohit's return grew louder after he resumed batting in the nets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
According to a report by the Indian Express, the former Indian captain is all set to arrive early at the Narendra Modi Stadium with the team for a fitness test. However, chances of the star opener making a return seems highly unlikely because hamstring injury requires at least eight days for proper recovery.
Rohit Sharma's fine IPL 2026 season
After four games, Rohit Sharma has managed to amass 137 runs at a strike rate of 165.06 with the help of 13 fours and eight sixes in IPL 2026. After a great start to the season, the former India skipper stands at 13th place in the Orange Cap race.