Mahela Jayawardene

Mumbai Indians were knocked out of the IPL 2026 playoff race after a heartbreaking last-ball loss to RCB. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene admitted MI were “not good enough” and lacked consistency throughout the season. He defended youngster Raj Angad Bawa for bowling the tense final over and said injuries and forced team changes hurt Mumbai’s campaign as RCB climbed to the top of the table.

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya's intense training session fuels speculation amid his absence due to back spasms. While the team cites recovery, his vigorous workout raises questions about his availability. Pandya and stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav are currently away from the squad, impacting the team's forgettable season where they have already been eliminated from playoff race.

Hardik Pandya hinted at his recovery through an Instagram story showing him training at Mumbai’s Reliance facility after missing MI’s last game with back spasms. However, the Mumbai Indians skipper did not travel with the initial squad to Dharamsala for the Punjab Kings clash. MI coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed Pandya remains under medical observation.

Mumbai Indians’ playoff hopes came to an end after a narrow two-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru here on Sunday, marking the fourth time in the last six seasons — after 2021, 2022 and 2024 — that the five-time champions have failed to progress beyond the league stage. The loss, their eighth in 11 matches this season, left head coach Mahela Jayawardene disappointed as he admitted that MI had not done enough across the campaign.

Mumbai Indians crashed out of the IPL after a loss to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, marking their sixth consecutive season without a trophy. Inconsistent performances from the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma and a lack of support for Jasprit Bumrah have plagued the team. Yet, Head coach Mahela Jayawardene continues to back the 'core group' despite the struggles.

Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya is sidelined with a back issue, missing consecutive IPL 2026 matches. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed the ongoing treatment, stating his return is day-to-day. This setback comes as MI, already eliminated from playoff contention, suffered another defeat, highlighting their disappointing season.

The Indian 'Clasico' between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians holds little playoff significance, but is crucial for individual players like Suryakumar Yadav. Facing a poor IPL season, Yadav's form is under scrutiny, with his ambition of leading India to the 2028 Olympics potentially at risk. Coach Mahela Jayawardene defended his player, highlighting his talent and past brilliance.

Suryakumar, who scored more than 700 runs in the 2025 season, is facing a difficult run despite leading India to a T20 World Cup win.

Jasprit Bumrah is shouldering a heavy workload for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, struggling to deliver wickets while bowling defensively and attacking. Despite MI's dismal performance and Bumrah's fatigue, coach Mahela Jayawardene is reluctant to rest him, citing mathematical possibilities. This approach echoes past decisions that led to Bumrah's injury and significant absences for India.

Jasprit Bumrah is experiencing a difficult IPL 2026 season, having taken only three wickets in ten matches, contributing to Mumbai Indians' struggles. Despite a recent win, Bumrah's performance against Lucknow Super Giants, including multiple no-balls, drew criticism from Sunil Gavaskar. Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton's partnership secured Mumbai's victory.

Mumbai Indians' head coach Mahela Jayawardene offered a cautious update on Rohit Sharma's fitness ahead of their clash with Chennai Super Kings. Sharma was seen batting in the nets after a hamstring injury, but his return depends on the medical team's daily assessment. Jayawardene also highlighted the team's struggles with consistency and player availability, having used 20 players this season.

Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene expressed confidence in his senior players despite a challenging IPL 2026 season. He backed Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma, emphasizing patience and development amidst the team's struggles at the bottom of the points table.

Rohit Sharma's participation in Mumbai Indians' IPL 2026 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad is uncertain. A final decision will be made at the toss. Sharma has been recovering from a hamstring injury. Suryakumar Yadav is preparing intensely for the game. Players from both teams were seen interacting during training sessions. Mumbai Indians await a potential boost for this key home contest.

Mumbai Indians faced controversy in their IPL 2026 loss to Chennai Super Kings after using Shardul Thakur as a concussion substitute for Mitchell Santner. Coach Mahela Jayawardene defended the decision, citing a head injury, though Santner later wore a shoulder sling. The debate overshadowed MI's continued struggles on the field.

Hardik Pandya has excelled for India in crunch T20 situations since 2024 but struggled to replicate that impact for Mumbai Indians. His bowling economy and batting strike rate dip sharply for MI, especially in death overs. Questions resurfaced after MI’s record 103-run loss to CSK, where Hardik avoided bowling late despite having overs left, highlighting his contrasting performances for franchise and country.

Mumbai Indians' IPL 2026 campaign has been hit by the injury of all-rounder Mitchell Santner, who is out for the season with a shoulder injury. South African Keshav Maharaj has been signed as his replacement. MI, currently ninth in the standings, hopes Maharaj's experience will help revive their struggling season.

Ravichandran Ashwin criticised Hardik Pandya for giving rookie Krish Bhagat the death overs in Indian Premier League 2026 against Chennai Super Kings, where he conceded 31 runs. Ashwin felt Pandya should have taken responsibility, citing his experience. He also highlighted the pressure of replacing Rohit Sharma. Despite Pandya’s poor form, coach Mahela Jayawardene backed him ahead of the next game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The Mumbai Indians left fans scratching their heads by employing Shardul Thakur as an Impact Sub while he never got the chance to bowl a single ball. This curious tactic came after a dismal display against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where Thakur's experience could have potentially turned the tides. On a day when every MI bowler went at an economy of over 10, it was baffling to see the bowler with over 100 IPL wickets not getting a bowl.

Mumbai Indians, enduring a dismal season, face bottom-placed Lucknow Super Giants in a crucial 'wooden spoon' battle. MI's superstars, including Bumrah and Pandya, must find form to avoid slipping further down the table. LSG, despite a losing streak, possess a strong bowling attack. Both teams desperately need a win to salvage pride.

Mumbai Indians' season is in jeopardy after a fourth consecutive loss, with coach Mahela Jayawardene citing poor bowling at crucial junctures. The team's inability to dominate the Powerplay with the ball, a hallmark of past successes, has been a significant issue. Jasprit Bumrah, despite bowling well, lacks support, and the team is cautiously managing Rohit Sharma's return from injury.