Hardik Pandya the real villain? Mumbai Indians issue official statement on captain’s poor performances

Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mahela Jayawardene opened up about the criticism surrounding captain Hardik Pandya after their heavy home defeat to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Jayawardene refused to single out any player, adding that the team’s struggles are due to collective failures in the IPL 2026 season.

The Hardik Pandya-led team suffered a 103-run defeat to Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, April 23. The skipper managed just one run off two deliveries and conceded 38 runs in two overs without taking a wicket. Mumbai Indians have just four points after seven league matches.

Mahela Jayawardene Defends Hardik Pandya After Mumbai Indians Suffer Heavy Defeat

During the post-match press conference, Mahela Jayawardene was asked about Hardik Pandya’s poor performances. The Mumbai Indians head coach defended his captain, stating that leadership responsibilities are not negatively affecting his overall performance.

"To be honest, I don't think it's a concern. He started well; in the first few games, he bowled really well. As I said, as a unit, we've struggled. It's not just individuals, and I don't want to name names. As a team, we haven't been consistent. Usually, we are very good as a unit, but we haven't picked up early wickets," Jayawardene responded.

Hardik had a disappointing outing against the Chennai Super Kings. The Mumbai Indians captain was dismissed early, caught by Mukesh Choudhary at short third man while attempting an aggressive shot against Noor Ahmad. He did not bowl after, conceding 38 runs in his first two overs.

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Mahela Jayawardene Admits Harsh Reality After Humiliating Home Defeat

Mahela Jayawardene also acknowledged their poor start to the season. The Mumbai Indians head coach admitted that their biggest-ever home defeat raises questions before they face Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium on April 29.

"I think the reality is that with four points after seven games, honestly, we haven't played good cricket. It's been in patches. We had a great game in Ahmedabad where I thought we found some rhythm, but again, we lost it," Jayawardene said.

"Probably with this game, once you lose a match like that, it's difficult to even analyse it. We lost both powerplays, with the ball and with the bat, and we just couldn't get into the game. But as I said, we've got a little break now; it gives us some time to really sit down and think about what we need to do for the next seven matches. We know exactly what is required, and we'll plan and put our best foot forward," he added.

There Was a Hole in Our Bowling - Mahela Jayawardene

Mahela Jayawardene stated that the bowling unit was the team’s biggest concern. The Mumbai Indians head coach noted that they have been conceding too many expensive overs, which has consistently put the side under pressure during crucial phases of matches in the IPL 2026 season.

"If you analyse the seven games, yes, there was a hole in our bowling. We brought some fresh faces in; Ahmedabad looked good, and I thought we bowled well in patches here, too. It's just execution and consistency. We are one of the teams that has conceded the highest number of big overs, 18-plus runs. When you give away 20-plus runs in an over, it puts us in a very bad position to even claw back into a game. These are areas we need to improve over the next seven matches," said the former Sri Lanka captain.

"We haven't managed to control things in away conditions and similar situations. That is an overall issue. If you look at the batting as well, we have been good, but there have been patches where we haven't been consistent. It's not one individual; as a team, we all have to improve," he further said.

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