Wasim Jaffer gives massive statement on Hardik Pandya being potentially replaced as MI captain amid IPL 2026

Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer believes Mumbai Indians (MI) will not remove Hardik Pandya as captain amid the ongoing IPL 2026. He suggested that the management will instead evaluate the all-rounder’s performance once the season is over.

Hardik’s leadership has come under scrutiny following MI’s underwhelming run in the edition. The 32-year-old missed the team’s home match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Monday, May 4, due to back spasms.

Jaffer suggested that Hardik alone should not be blamed for the side’s poor performances. On being asked if the five-time champions could consider replacing their captain mid-season, he said in his YouTube video:

“All these decisions are taken after the tournament. Nobody thinks about it mid-tournament. Mumbai Indians’ journey is alive just mathematically; they are also almost out of the tournament.

“They have underperformed, but you cannot say that this team played badly because of Hardik Pandya. Individual players also have not played well, and there have been injury issues as well. Rohit got injured at the wrong time, and Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Trent Boult struggled for form.”

Suryakumar Yadav captained MI against LSG in Hardik Pandya’s absence. Mumbai claimed a crucial six-wicket win in the clash. They recorded their highest successful chase in IPL history, overhauling the 229-run target in 18.4 overs.

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“I don’t know when he is expected to be back” — Ryan Rickelton shares update on Hardik Pandya’s fitness

MI wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton seemed hopeful of Hardik Pandya travelling with the team to Raipur ahead of their upcoming match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). However, he remarked that he was not aware of how serious the injury was.

Rickelton said in the post-match press conference after being asked about the MI captain’s injury (via NDTV):

“I don’t know when he is expected to be back. I found out myself this afternoon that he had back spasms. I don’t know the extent of the injury or how bad it is. I am not sure how he is feeling, but I am sure that he will be with us again as we head to Raipur this week.”

MI are currently placed ninth in the points table with three wins and seven losses after 10 matches. They are set to face RCB in Raipur on Sunday, May 10.