Gavaskar's Warning, Hardik's Puzzle: Can Mumbai Indians Save Their Season?

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has raised concerns over Mumbai Indians’ inconsistent form in IPL 2026, warning that the five-time champions must win all their remaining matches to stay in contention for a playoff spot after a heavy defeat to Chennai Super Kings.

Speaking on Star Sports ahead of MI’s clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 29, JioStar expert Gavaskar highlighted the side’s lack of consistency this season and pointed to their batting collapse against CSK.

Referring to their previous outing, he added, "The recent loss, especially getting bowled out for 100-odd against CSK, was disappointing. Such heavy defeats can hurt them later, particularly in a tight race for the fourth playoff spot."

Much of MI’s scrutiny this season has also centred on Hardik Pandya, who has continued to divide opinion since returning to the franchise in 2024. While he remains a key figure for India, his IPL form has not mirrored his international performances.

Why is Hardik Pandya’s IPL 2026 form inconsistent compared to his India performances?

According to ESPNcricinfo, in IPL 2026 so far, Hardik has scored 97 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 140.57 and taken three wickets from 15 overs.

In contrast, his T20I record for India this year has been significantly stronger, with 286 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 165.31 and 13 wickets in as many innings.

Hardik has continued to deliver in decisive moments for India. In the 2026 T20 World Cup semi-final against England, when England needed 39 off 12 balls, he bowled an excellent penultimate over, conceding just nine runs and dismissing Sam Curran.

In the 2024 T20 World Cup final, he held his nerve in the final over when South Africa required 16 runs.

Since the start of 2026, Hardik has bowled 10 overs at the death for India across eight innings, taking five wickets and maintaining an economy rate of 9.7.

However, his role in the death overs has been limited in the IPL. In the ongoing season, he has bowled just two overs in that phase across six innings, taking one wicket while conceding 13 runs an over.

His reluctance to bowl at the death was evident against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium.

After conceding 38 runs in his first two overs, Hardik did not return for the final phase of the innings, instead handing the last over to inexperienced Krish Bhagat against a set Sanju Samson.

With MI’s campaign under pressure and their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, Hardik’s contrasting form between international cricket and the IPL has become a key point of discussion, with the franchise’s prospects now closely tied to whether he can replicate his India performances in the remaining matches.

(With inputs from ANI)