Mumbai Indians (MI) have reportedly dismissed the growing speculation surrounding captain Hardik Pandya after their disappointing IPL 2026 campaign. The franchise has clarified that no final decision has been made regarding a captaincy change or any potential player trade ahead of the next season.
Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, endured a poor IPL 2026 season. They finished at ninth place on the 10-team points table with just eight points after losing 10 of their 14 matches. Following the disappointing campaign, The Indian Express reported that Hardik Pandya could be removed as captain.
Mumbai Indians Schedule Decisive Review Meeting On Hardik Pandya's Future
According to a report by RevSportz, Mumbai Indians have decided not to rush into any major decisions following their disappointing IPL 2026 campaign. The report stated that the franchise will review the season and discuss its future plans only after giving stakeholders time to reflect.
The report also noted that it is too early to suggest Mumbai Indians have decided to move on from Hardik Pandya. Discussions regarding the captaincy and squad structure are expected to take place next month.
“We honestly have had no discussions, and discussions will only happen later in the month (early June), after everyone has time to reflect,” said a source close to MI.
It Might Not Have Gone What We Would Have Wanted - Kieron Pollard
Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard stated that the franchise would avoid making quick decisions after the disappointing season. Speaking after their final league match against Rajasthan Royals, Pollard said the management would take time to assess the campaign before deciding on any changes.
“If you sit here right now and say you need to do this, you need to do that, I think that would be irresponsible from a management perspective,” Pollard had said. “It’s not something I’m sure that we are going to do right in this present time.”
“It might not have gone what we would have wanted as a management staff. But one thing you know that we have tried each and everything to give the best opportunity to lead the franchise, to do well."
Hardik Pandya's Struggles Add To Mumbai Indians' Concerns
Apart from the captaincy scrutiny, Hardik Pandya also endured a difficult IPL 2026 season with both bat and ball. The Mumbai Indians skipper struggled to provide finishing impact in the lower middle order, scoring 206 runs in 10 innings at an average of 22.88 and a strike rate of 138.25.
With the ball, Hardik picked up only four wickets at an average of nearly 65 while conceding runs at an economy rate of 11.42. Mumbai Indians won just two of the 10 matches he played, with their other two victories coming during games he missed through injury.
Hardik returned to Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2024 season after leading Gujarat Titans to significant success. However, his second stint with the franchise has not gone according to plan. Mumbai have missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons, increasing speculation about his future as captain.
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