Mumbai Indians Eliminated From IPL 2026 Top 4 Race; Hardik Pandya Faces Heat, Captaincy Questioned

CSK vs MI IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya’s slow knock against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on 3 May drew sharp criticism from former India selector Kris Srikkanth, who questioned the captain’s batting approach and tactical awareness after CSK comfortably chased down the 160-run target and won the IPL 2026 clash by eight wickets.

Hardik walked in at No.6 after Tilak Varma’s dismissal, with Naman Dhir already set at the crease and Mumbai Indians 109 for four in 12.5 overs. Instead of lifting the scoring rate, Hardik managed only 18 runs from 23 balls, struck two boundaries, faced 10 dot deliveries and departed in the final over, as MI closed on 159 for seven.

Hardik Pandya innings, CSK vs MI result and Srikkanth’s 'plastic captain’ remark

Srikkanth, speaking on his YouTube channel after the CSK vs MI match, expressed surprise at how the MI innings stalled under Hardik’s watch. Srikkanth said, "Look at the numbers — 18 runs off 23 balls. What is this? He is a plastic captain." The former selector felt the partnership with Naman Dhir lacked clear attacking intent.

Continuing his assessment of the CSK vs MI contest, Srikkanth pointed to the cluster of dot balls Hardik played and questioned the leadership on display. "Look at that partnership — what was the intent? What was Hardik Pandya trying to do? If you check the number of dot balls in the middle overs, it's clear there was no proper calculation or game awareness. The run-rate dropped very drastically during that phase," said Srikkanth.

Run-rate slide, CSK vs MI tactics and questions over Hardik Pandya’s plan

Srikkanth broke down how Mumbai Indians lost momentum during the CSK vs MI meeting, highlighting the run-rate drop from a strong base. "From around the 6th or 7th over, they started at about 9 runs per over, but then it went down — 7, 7, one over of 13, then 10, then 6. After that, 5, 4, 3, 7, 4 that's where they lost it completely between overs 12 to 16. Even towards the end, it was just 7 runs and 4 runs while Hardik was still batting."

The former India opener also linked the CSK vs MI showing to Hardik’s wider IPL 2026 form, pointing out that a strike-rate of 136.45 has not given Mumbai Indians the desired push in the middle overs. With MI already short of consistent power-hitting in that phase, Srikkanth said he struggled to see any clear response to CSK’s squeeze at the death, adding, "Honestly, I couldn't understand what they were trying to do. What was the plan?"

Discussing CSK vs MI bowling tactics, Srikkanth credited Chennai Super Kings for targeting Hardik’s body and refusing to offer easy hitting zones, particularly through Jamie Overton’s spells. He felt opponents have now identified how to contain Hardik and will continue to attack a similar area, saying, "They won't bowl in the slot again. They will lock him down. They knew if they bowl length, he will smash them. So, they won't bowl there," said Srikkanth. Mumbai Indians now prepare for their next IPL 2026 fixture, facing Lucknow Super Giants at Wankhede Stadium on 4 May, with Hardik’s approach under close scrutiny.