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Why Mumbai Indians (MI), which has a ton of talent within its squad, has failed to deliver significant results season after season has become a mystery. MI was one of the first teams to be eliminated from the IPL 2026 title race. they have finished 9th In the points table in the current season.
After another disastrous season, there were several reports claiming that Hardik Pandya is set to leave the franchise before the next season. But there are some conflicting reports about the scene behind the team’s backstage.
Contradictory news on Hardik Pandya?
There is no doubt that as the leader of the army, Pandya is liable to face failure from the front. But, it is the duty of the entire management to find out where the team lacked the most, was it only because of the captain or something else?
Some claims on social media platforms suggest that it was Hardik who was the main reason behind MI’s poor performance in IPL 2026, while some say that it was a collective effort by some players inside the team.
Conspiracy behind Pandya?
Dainik Jagran correspondent Abhishek Tripathi points towards some conspiracy behind Hardik Pandya. Tripathi claims that there are four players in the team who were not giving any support to the captain. If claims are to be believed, there is a trust issue with Hardik within the team.
“I have been saying from the beginning that Hardik was not getting support from some players. If Mumbai Indians want to win, they have only two options. One… either remove Hardik from the team… or two, remove those four players. Those four players did not perform well under Hardik’s captaincy,” Tripathi’s ‘X’ post read.
I was saying from the beginning that Happy was not getting support from some players. If Mumbai Indians want to win then they have only two options. One… either Happy should be removed from the team… second those four players should be removed. All four of them did not perform well for the World Cup. Fixed…
– Abhishek Tripathi/Abhishek Tripitaka (@abishereporter) May 29, 2026
PTI journalist Kushan Sarkar offers a different version of the team’s decline in recent times. In response to Tripathi’s claims, Sarkar mentioned that it was Hardik Pandya who wanted himself out of the club. According to the government’s social media post, as soon as Mumbai Indians were disqualified from the IPL 2026 title race, Pandya informed the management that he will not be staying at the club for the next season.
Why should Hardik Pandya leave Mumbai?
There are some valid points. Hardik’s tenure as captain of Gujarat Titans was commendable. He is one of the few players who helped India win titles in many ICC events including the T20 World Cup.
Ahead of the next IPL season, teams like Lucknow Super Giants, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals or even Chennai Super Kings could be looking for a new leader. If Hardik Pandya officially leaves Mumbai Indians, he may get some great deals as well as new opportunities.
“Once MI’s playoff chances were gone, Hardik had already informed the MI management that he would not be left behind. Look, all three of KKR, DC and LSG will need new captains. And don’t discount CSK too. HP will be in demand (Once MI’s playoff chances were gone, Hardik had already informed the management that he would not be left behind. Look at the teams that need new captains – KKR, DC and LSG Everyone needs one and don’t rule out CSK too. Hardik Pandya will definitely be in demand,” Sarkar claimed in his ‘X’ post.
After the play-off chances were gone, Hardik informed the MI management that he would not be left behind. Look, KKR, DC, LSG, all three will need new captains. And don’t discount CSK either. There will be demand for HP.
As far as MI is concerned, I think @ImRo45 should be made captain… https://t.co/yls5fqJain– Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) May 29, 2026
Claims vary, but one thing remains the same: Hardik Pandya is set to leave Mumbai Indians before IPL 2027.
Read more: Why is Hardik Pandya being removed from the post of captain of Mumbai Indians?