Virender Sehwag Says Release Hardik Pandya If Dressing Room Rumours are True

Former India opener Virender Sehwag has weighed in on speculation surrounding Hardik Pandya and the Mumbai Indians dressing room, saying the franchise should consider releasing the all-rounder if reports of internal discord are true. Sehwag made the comments after Mumbai Indians secured their fourth victory of the IPL 2026 season with a thrilling win over Punjab Kings under the captaincy of Jasprit Bumrah. Hardik and Suryakumar Yadav were both absent from the match, with the franchise officially citing a back spasm for Hardik’s non-appearance.

Rumors regarding tensions within the Mumbai Indians camp have intensified in recent weeks, particularly following Hardik’s absence from the playing XI. While no official confirmation has emerged regarding any dispute, reports have suggested disagreements between Hardik and certain members of the squad. Speaking during a discussion on Cricbuzz, Sehwag said cricketing merit alone justified retaining Hardik, but he acknowledged that unresolved dressing room problems could force the franchise to make a difficult decision regarding the player’s future.

Sehwag clarified that he was uncertain about the accuracy of the rumors and stressed that his opinion would ultimately depend on whether the reports were genuine. He said that if the alleged dressing-room issues proved true, Mumbai Indians should release Hardik despite his value as a player. At the same time, Sehwag also argued that conflicts within teams can often be resolved through communication and team management. He maintained that Hardik remains one of the most impactful cricketers in the league and continues to be vital for the Mumbai Indians from a purely sporting perspective.

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The former India batter further suggested that Hardik’s market value far exceeds his current IPL salary. Sehwag pointed out that the all-rounder is currently earning Rs 16.35 crore but argued he should be considered a player in the Rs 27 crore bracket. He compared Hardik’s value to that of Rishabh Pant, who became the most expensive player in IPL history after being bought for Rs 27 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. According to Sehwag, Hardik’s performances over the years, both as a player and leader, justify a significantly higher valuation.

Hardik has remained one of the most closely watched figures in the IPL due to his leadership role, all-round abilities, and high-profile move back to the Mumbai Indians in recent seasons. His return to the franchise generated considerable debate among fans and analysts, particularly after changes in the team’s leadership structure. Despite periods of criticism and inconsistent form, Hardik has continued to play a major role for Mumbai Indians and remains one of India’s premier white-ball cricketers across formats.

Mumbai Indians still have two league matches remaining in their IPL 2026 campaign, and attention will now focus on whether Hardik returns to the squad before the season concludes. The franchise has not provided any further medical update regarding his reported back spasms. With playoff qualification scenarios tightening and speculation around the team environment continuing to circulate, Hardik’s availability and the atmosphere within the Mumbai Indians camp are expected to remain major talking points in the coming days.

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