One has to really feel for Hardik Pandya. Nothing goes proper for inarguably the one-in-a-generation all-rounder. The Mumbai Indians are struggling within the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, and even the 32-year-old is discovering it robust to offer beneficial performances. The abysmal IPL 2026 version to this point for the five-time champions hit a brand new low on Thursday on the Wankhede Stadium because the Chennai Tremendous Kings (CSK) thrashed the hosts by 103 runs to maneuver to the fifth spot within the factors desk. However, Mumbai are positioned in eighth place, and if the franchise is to have any likelihood of creating it to the playoffs, they need to win not less than six of their remaining seven matches.
It is no shock that Hardik Pandya sported a dejected look because the Mumbai Indians suffered yet one more loss. Nonetheless, the consequence was no deterrent to Hardik being a doting father.
After the loss, the cameras captured Hardik signalling to the group, checking on his son Agastya and his girlfriend, Maheika Sharma. The all-rounder was seen gesturing in the direction of his son, asking him to fall asleep. The match ended after 11 PM IST, therefore it was solely pure for Hardik to offer these directions to Agastya.
Hardik first made the gesture from the dressing room, and he did the identical on the sector throughout post-match handshakes and the chat with the broadcaster.
Talking of Hardik’s efficiency in opposition to CSK, the all-rounder had a forgetful day on the workplace. He leaked 38 runs within the two overs he bowled. With the bat, he lasted simply two balls within the center, going again to the hut after scoring only one run.
Hardik’s below-par season
Within the six matches he has performed to this point within the IPL 2026 season, Hardik has managed simply 97 runs, along with his highest rating being 40 in opposition to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). With the ball, he has been all of the extra disappointing, taking simply three wickets and leaking runs at 12.67 per over.
Hardik additionally missed the fixture in opposition to the Delhi Capitals on the Arun Jaitley Stadium attributable to sickness. In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav led the staff.
After the defeat in opposition to CSK, Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene defended Hardik, saying his efficiency is just not a priority. “I don’t assume, to be sincere. It’s not a priority. He began nicely. Within the first few video games with the ball, he bowled rather well. General, as a unit, we haven’t been constant. However we haven’t picked up early wickets, we haven’t managed to manage issues in the way in which situations and stuff like that, in order that’s an general factor.”
“And when you take a look at it in batting as nicely, we’ve been good, however we’ve some patches that we haven’t been constant, so it’s not one particular person, it’s as a staff, all of us have to enhance,” he added.
Mumbai Indians now have a seven-day break earlier than their subsequent fixture, and the franchise desperately must do some soul looking out if they’re to have a combating likelihood of creating it to the playoffs. The staff will subsequent face the Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday, April 29.
Rohit Sharma who has missed three matches for the franchise, is anticipated to be match for the conflict in opposition to Sunrisers.
