IPL

Hardik Pandya Set to Lose Mumbai Indians Captaincy After Disastrous IPL 2026 Campaign

by Jasmeet Rao

Modified: May 31, 2026 2:08 PM

Mumbai Indians are expected to remove Hardik Pandya as captain following a dismal IPL 2026 season that saw the five-time champions finish with just four wins from 14 games, securing only eight points and a net run rate of -0.584; their worst performance under his leadership.

Pandya took over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma in 2024, but his tenure has now come under intense scrutiny after back-to-back underwhelming seasons. According to reports, Pandya felt mentally stressed mid-season, hurt by senior players who urged him to commit to India’s T20Is but allegedly did not reciprocate the same level of commitment in the IPL. Others within the camp have described him as unapproachable, with claims that veterans ignored coaching plans.

Despite the leadership change, Rohit Sharma will not return as captain. However, he is expected to play a key role in influencing the decision on the next skipper. The frontrunners for the role are believed to be Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, or young Tilak Varma, with the franchise likely to finalize its leadership structure ahead of the 2027 auction.

The move signals a major reset for the franchise as they look to rebuild after a forgettable campaign.

Jasmeet Rao

Author

Jasmeet Rao is a dedicated sports content writer with over 7 years of experience in the industry. He specializes in creating engaging and insightful content focused on match predictions, sports records, and the latest news updates. Known for his analytical approach and in-depth understanding of various sports, Jasmeet delivers accurate and reader-friendly content that resonates with sports enthusiasts.

Last updated: 31.05.2026