MUMBAI
Not long ago, the Mumbai Indians were the undisputed kings of the IPL, turning big games into easy wins with five trophies to prove it. However, the 2026 season has seen that golden aura vanish, replaced by a string of losses that have exposed deep cracks within the star-studded squad.
The trouble seems to stem from a messy leadership change. Moving on from the calm, successful guidance of Rohit Sharma to Hardik Pandya has disrupted the team’s rhythm. Pandya has struggled to find his footing, failing to deliver the match-winning magic with bat or ball that fans expected. This lack of clear direction has left the five-time champions looking lost on the field.
Even the heroes of India’s recent World Cup win are feeling the heat. Suryakumar Yadav has shown flashes of his brilliance but cannot seem to finish games, while bowling ace Jasprit Bumrah has struggled to maintain his usual iron grip on opposing batters. When the leaders stumble, the rest of the team follows; the batting order collapses under pressure, and the bowling unit has lost its sting.
In a bittersweet twist, a veteran reminder of better days remains. Rohit Sharma, playing purely as a batter, recently smashed a brilliant 84 off 44 balls, proving his class hasn’t faded. Yet, individual brilliance cannot hide the poor team construction and the loss of their home fortress, Wankhede Stadium. With playoff hopes fading, Mumbai must rediscover their identity before their once-mighty empire crumbles completely.