A side usually known for thriving under pressure has this season suffered a spectacular collapse, as Mumbai Indians became the first team to be knocked out of the race for the IPL 2026 playoffs after their final-ball defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 10.
Speaking ahead of MI’s next game against Punjab Kings, all-rounder Corbin Bosch admitted the team has badly felt the absence of their captain during an already difficult campaign. “It’s obviously been tough. Hardik is not only a leader but a fantastic cricketer as well. We’ve missed his presence when it comes to the on-field stuff,” Bosch told reporters.
Bosch, however, said the team understood the need to prioritise Hardik’s recovery despite the difficult circumstances surrounding MI’s season. “I’m sure the people that are making decisions and the people that are looking after him are trying to do the best for him and for the team itself.
“It has been tricky but at the same time the game does move forward and we still need to play cricket, so it’s one of those things,” he added.
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MI captain Hardik Pandya has missed the last two games and head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed that the all-rounder’s back issue “hasn’t settled in yet”, making it unlikely that he will return to face Punjab.
With MI already out of playoff contention, the franchise management has opted for a cautious approach regarding Hardik’s fitness.
India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has stepped in as stand-in skipper every time Hardik has missed a game this season and could once again lead MI if the all-rounder remains unavailable against Punjab Kings.
Mumbai Indians currently sit second from bottom in the 10-team points table, with the five-time champions unable to put together consistent performances across departments.
Bosch admitted the side repeatedly failed in decisive moments, something MI teams of the past were known for dominating.
“We just have not put together a complete game. One day it’s been the bowlers who would do well and the batters struggle a little bit or the (next day) the batters do well and the bowlers struggle,” Bosch said.
“The key moments in the game which this team is known for winning, we just haven’t done that this year.”
The South African also pointed to costly fielding lapses and missed opportunities as major reasons behind MI’s disastrous campaign.
“Maybe dropping crucial chances at crucial stages of the game that have swung the game in the opposite direction. It’s a multitude of things but at the same time going into each game, we make sure that we leave no stone unturned,” Bosch added.
Hardik’s own season has also come under intense scrutiny. In eight matches as captain, MI have managed only three wins while his individual returns, 146 runs and four wickets, have fallen below expectations.
His leadership has additionally come under the scanner amid fan criticism, social media controversies and growing calls from former cricketers for a change in captaincy heading into next season.
(With PTI inputs)
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