IPL 2026: Can Hardik Pandya Take Mumbai Indians Into the Playoffs?

The Mumbai Indians are running out of time and opportunities. Despite looking good on paper, under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy, the side has not been able to make it happen on the ground. They are currently struggling to find themselves on top and remain in the competition.

This has been a pattern for the past few years as well, and the side has managed to finish as the bottom-placed team on two occasions. The most recent instance of their performance can be seen from their defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad despite posting a total of 243 runs.

As a team, MI has not performed very well. Although some of the players have played well, the team has not won any games. They have just two wins with an even worse net run rate. This means that every game is crucial. They still have six games left, but they can afford no more slip-ups.

However, MI have not been able to perform well even at their home venue, Wankhede Stadium. They lost four out of five games that they played at the stadium. Away from the stadium, they have had a bad record as well. Since 2021, MI has won just 14 out of 36 away games. They still have four more games away, which makes the situation worse. It appears that qualifying will be difficult for MI at this point.

Mumbai Indians Qualification Scenario

Mumbai Indians Remaining Matches

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Labuschagne’s Hyderabad have become ‘that team’ as they pull off a miraculous win Marnus Labuschagne has a habit of making his presence felt wherever he goes.

by mishaalmubarak May 2, 2026