hardik pandya He has had two very poor seasons as the captain of Mumbai Indians (MI). This also includes the current season, where the five-time champions are ranked 9th in the points table. MI are already out after winning only three out of 11 matches. The last three matches are just a formality for them and a chance to avoid finishing at the bottom of the points table for the second time in three seasons.
32-year-old Hardik has played eight matches in IPL 2026, scoring only 146 runs at an average of 20.86 and strike rate of 136.45. His performance with the ball has been even more disappointing. He has taken only four wickets at an average of 61.50 and economy rate of 11.90.
Last week, reports speculated about a rift between Hardik and the MI management. Speculations ran high when Hardik was seen posting videos of intense training sessions on social media, while the MI camp said he was recovering from back spasms. The Choryasi-born player had missed the last two matches against Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore. He failed to make a comeback into the team in the match against Punjab Kings on Thursday, 14 May. While Suryakumar Yadav led the way in the last two matches, Jasprit Bumrah has taken charge against the Kings as India's T20I captain is unavailable due to personal reasons.
Talking about Hardik, the future of the star all-rounder in Mumbai Indians was considered uncertain. Some reports suggested he was going to be traded after the season. However, a latest report by Cricbuzz mentions that the Baroda legend will remain in MI.
With the season still going on, the Mumbai-based franchise is neither entertaining nor discussing the possibility of a trade, and Hardik is expected to remain with MI for the foreseeable future. Incidentally, Hardik returned to MI ahead of IPL 2024 through a high-profile trade move from Gujarat Titans.
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