Five-time champions Mumbai Indians may have returned to winning ways with a dominant victory in IPL 2026, but criticism surrounding captain Hardik Pandya continues to intensify. The all-rounder, who took over leadership from Rohit Sharma in 2024, remains under scrutiny despite guiding the team to a convincing 99-run win over the Gujarat Titans.
Mumbai registered a much-needed turnaround after a difficult start to the season, powered by a brilliant century from Tilak Varma. His unbeaten 101 helped the side post a formidable total of 199/5, before their bowlers dismantled Gujarat for just 100 runs, sealing a comprehensive victory that temporarily eased pressure on the team.
However, the focus quickly shifted back to Pandya’s captaincy, which has faced criticism since his appointment. Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar questioned the rationale behind the leadership change, suggesting that the decision may have been driven more by commercial considerations than purely cricketing merit.
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Speaking on a podcast, Manjrekar said franchise decisions are sometimes influenced by branding and visibility, noting that Pandya’s appointment brought significant attention to the team. He added that while Pandya had previously enjoyed success with Gujarat Titans, much of that achievement was also shaped by the presence of head coach Ashish Nehra.
Manjrekar further highlighted the challenges Pandya faced upon joining Mumbai, including a lack of support from senior players during his initial season as captain. He pointed out that established names such as Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav were overlooked for the leadership role, which may have contributed to internal pressure and team dynamics.
The former batter also recalled the hostile reception Pandya received from fans, including instances of booing during matches, describing it as a difficult situation for any captain. While Mumbai’s recent win offers some relief, the debate around Pandya’s leadership and the franchise’s decision-making continues to remain a major talking point in the ongoing Indian Premier League season.
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