Mumbai Indians’ Struggles Deepen in IPL 2026 as Virender Sehwag Points to Execution Issues, Not Captaincy
Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2026 campaign has continued to unravel, with the five-time champions now staring at a near-impossible path to the playoffs. After six losses in eight matches, the team not only needs a perfect finish in their remaining fixtures but also must rely heavily on results elsewhere to stay alive in the tournament.
What once used to be MI’s trademark—recovering strongly after a slow start—has not materialised this season. Instead, the slump has extended deep into the middle phase of the competition, exposing gaps in both bowling execution and overall consistency.
Sehwag rejects captaincy blame
Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag has weighed in on Mumbai Indians’ struggles, making it clear that the issue does not lie solely with captaincy.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Sehwag stressed that the team’s main problem is execution rather than leadership, pointing out that bowlers have repeatedly failed to deliver in key moments.
According to him, Mumbai Indians are not managing to take wickets when needed, which in turn allows opposition batters to dominate and pile on runs.
Bowling unit under scrutiny
Sehwag highlighted that MI’s bowling attack, once their biggest strength, has been the main let-down this season. In earlier campaigns, early breakthroughs from the new-ball pair often set the tone, but that effectiveness has been missing in IPL 2026.
He also noted that even experienced bowlers have struggled to control runs, leading to repeated pressure on the team’s batting unit.
Tactical confusion over impact player use
One of the more puzzling moments discussed was Mumbai Indians’ decision to include Shardul Thakur as an impact player but not use him to bowl. Sehwag questioned the move, suggesting that a wicket-taking option was left unused despite the team’s struggles.
Cricket analyst Murali Kartik also expressed confusion over the decision, calling it difficult to understand from a tactical standpoint.
Sehwag added that while captaincy decisions are always under the scanner, the bigger concern remains the inability of the bowling unit to execute plans effectively.
Pollard backs Bumrah amid criticism
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard has come out in support of spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who has had a rare lean run in IPL 2026.
Bumrah has managed only two wickets in eight matches, though he continues to maintain one of the better economy rates in the side. Despite this, scrutiny around his performances has grown due to MI’s overall struggles.
Pollard urged patience, emphasising that elite players often go through difficult phases but are capable of strong comebacks. He also highlighted the constant pressure cricketers face in public view, contrasting it with ordinary professions where mistakes can be corrected more easily.
MI facing an uphill battle
With six matches left, Mumbai Indians remain mathematically alive but realistically on the edge. Their qualification hopes depend on an almost perfect turnaround in form, something that has looked increasingly unlikely given current performances.
For now, the focus remains on fixing execution issues, regaining bowling discipline, and finding momentum in a season that has drifted far from their usual standards.
