Hardik Pandya is set to be removed as Mumbai Indians captain ahead of IPL 2027 season, as per reports.
After yet another dismal season for Mumbai Indians,
Pandya looks set to lose captaincy ahead of the new season.
As per a report from The Indian Express, Hardik's captaincy and overall performance didn't amuse the MI management, and there is a clear buzz of stripping him of his duties.
It is to be decided if Pandya will remain part of the Paltans, as there have been instances throughout this season where the all-rounder failed to follow the management's advices, which were backed by data. The lack of execution and injury halted Pandya, who was not part of the MI setup for a few matches within the season.
Hardik Pandya fueled Controversy
Just three days after Mumbai Indians wrapped up their underwhelming 2026 Indian Premier League campaign, skipper Hardik Pandya's official Instagram account mysteriously vanished for several hours, triggering a wave of speculation across social media platforms.
The handle was back online shortly after, but the brief deactivation added fuel to the fire surrounding Pandya's leadership and the franchise's continued struggles. MI, five-time champions, endured a tough season, managing only four victories in 14 matches to finish second from the bottom with eight points, level with Lucknow Super Giants but ahead on net run rate.
Pandya's personal form was also below par. The all-rounder scored 206 runs across 10 innings at a strike rate of 138.25, significantly lower than his explosive 163.50 from the previous season. With the ball, he claimed just four wickets in nine appearances while leaking runs at an economy of 11.42.
Hardik Pandya's Troubled Return to MI
Pandya was handed the MI captaincy in controversial fashion ahead of the 2024 season, replacing the highly successful Rohit Sharma. Having led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in their debut season and to the final the following year, expectations were high. However, the move was poorly received by fans, resulting in Pandya being heavily booed at the Wankhede Stadium throughout 2024. The team finished last that year.
The 2025 season brought some improvement. Backed by his match-winning contributions in India's triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, Pandya guided MI to fourth place, though they exited in the Eliminator against Punjab Kings. But the 2026 IPL proved to be a major letdown for both Pandya and the franchise.
Since their last title triumph in 2020 under Rohit Sharma's captaincy, Mumbai Indians have endured their longest trophy drought - six consecutive seasons without silverware. The franchise, once the most dominant side in the league, continues to search for consistency in the post-Rohit era.
