Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya trolled the rival franchise ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The all-rounder sparked intense discussion among cricket fans with his comments on Mumbai Indians not having any stars on their jerseys ahead of the tournament starting on March 28.
Notably, Mumbai has five Indian Premier League titles, tied with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the most titles. Despite their success, Mumbai Indians have avoided displaying championship stars on their official match jerseys, which raised questions during an interactive fan event held in Mumbai recently.
Hardik Pandya explains about the missing stars on Mumbai Indians jersey
Speaking during a recent MI fan event, Hardik Pandya was asked about the missing championship stars on the official Mumbai Indians kit. Hardik said that adding stars for every tournament win would eventually clutter his iconic blue jersey design.
“We want to win as many as possible. We are lucky that we already have 5, and adding more will leave no room. [won’t have enought space to add more stars]“said the all-rounder.
Hardik Pandya reveals why there is no star on Mumbai Indians jersey. pic.twitter.com/nffULVIX7L
– Gems of Cricket (@GemsOfCrickets) 22 March 2026
Mumbai Indians is the most successful team in IPL history, winning five titles under the leadership of Rohit Sharma in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. They became the first franchise to reach this milestone.
The team’s success comes from strong leadership, smart scouting and a stable core, including Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard and Suryakumar Yadav, who have performed consistently.
Fans see Hardik Pandya’s comment as a dig at RCB ahead of IPL 2026
Fans immediately took this brutally honest statement as a direct dig at defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Royal Challengers Bangalore recently added a star to their jersey after clinching their first Indian Premier League title last year. Under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar, they ended their long-running title drought by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final.
Notably, Hardik will face his elder brother Krunal Pandya when Mumbai Indians host Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 12.
Krunal Pandya currently plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore, adding to an exciting brother-sister rivalry in this much-awaited encounter at the Wankhede Stadium.
Hardik Pandya ready for third season as MI captain ahead of IPL 2026
Pandya will be leading Mumbai Indians for the third consecutive season since his blockbuster trade comeback from Gujarat Titans (GT).
Last year, under his leadership, Mumbai Indians reached the playoffs before losing by five wickets to Punjab Kings in the Qualifier 2 match.
The five-time champions will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium. They will then go on to face Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on April 4.
Before returning home for their clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians will take on Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on April 7.
Also read: “Lucks started sinking” – Former PBKS captain expresses concern over Nicholas Pooran’s form ahead of IPL 2026