“Might not”: Kieron Pollard drops massive hint on captaincy change after Hardik Pandya’s struggles
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A Season to Forget for the Mumbai Indians
The conclusion of the IPL 2026 season has left the Mumbai Indians (MI) faithful in a state of deep reflection and frustration. Finishing the campaign with a dismal record of only four wins and ten defeats, the franchise finds itself at a crossroads. As the dust settles on their ninth-place finish in a ten-team league, the inevitable questions regarding leadership and tactical direction have returned to the forefront of the conversation.
The Pollard Perspective
Batting coach Kieron Pollard, a veteran figure within the Mumbai Indians setup, addressed the media following the final match against the Rajasthan Royals. While he maintained a degree of professional diplomacy, his comments regarding the future of the team and the scrutiny surrounding the leadership were telling. When pressed on the team’s struggles, Pollard remarked, “Yes, it might not have gone as well as he would have wanted, what we would have wanted, but I wouldn’t question anything at this time.”
This statement, while seemingly cautious, acts as a significant signal. Pollard highlighted the stark contrast between their third-place finish twelve months prior and their current ninth-place standing. He explicitly noted that these inconsistencies are issues the management will have to address. “We will sit and talk, lick our wounds, and hopefully come back stronger in 10 months,” Pollard added, confirming that a period of internal review is imminent.
Hardik Pandya Under the Scanner
The performance of Hardik Pandya during the 2026 season has been a major talking point. Entering the tournament fresh off a T20 World Cup victory, expectations for the seam-bowling all-rounder were sky-high. Unfortunately, his output did not align with those expectations. In ten matches, Pandya managed only 206 runs at a strike rate of 138, while his bowling figures were equally concerning, claiming just four wickets at an economy rate nearing 12.
Beyond the numbers, it was the leadership decisions on the field that drew heavy criticism from fans and pundits alike. A team that was widely considered a favorite to qualify for the playoffs struggled to find cohesion, leading to a reality that is difficult for the management to digest.
Reflecting on the Final Defeat
The final game against the Rajasthan Royals served as a microcosm of the season. Chasing a target of 205, Mumbai Indians appeared to have a genuine chance to end on a high note. However, a collapse in the powerplay rendered the chase a “catch-up game.” Hardik Pandya, who was settled at the crease, could not convert his 34 off 15 balls into the match-winning contribution the team desperately needed. Reflecting on the loss, Pandya admitted, “It was chaseable, we just lost a lot of wickets in the powerplay.”
A Pattern of Inconsistency
The historical performance of Mumbai Indians since 2022 highlights a worrying trend. The franchise has oscillated between extremes:
- 2022: 10th Place
- 2023: Lost in Qualifier 2
- 2024: 10th Place
- 2025: Lost in Qualifier 2
- 2026: 9th Place
This cycle of instability suggests that the team is failing to build long-term momentum. As the management prepares to evaluate the squad and the captaincy structure, fans are left wondering if the “might not” in Pollard’s assessment is the precursor to a major structural overhaul. With ten months until the next season, the Mumbai Indians have a long road ahead to rebuild their identity and return to the winning ways that once defined their legacy in the Indian Premier League.
