3 things MI must do to return to winning ways

Published - 08 Apr 2026, 22:05 IST | Updated - 08 Apr 2026, 22:05 IST

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 hasn’t quite started the way five-time champions Mumbai Indians would have hoped. After breaking their long-standing opening-game jinx with a convincing win over Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium, the five-time champions have stumbled, suffering back-to-back defeats against Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals in their next two matches.

While their batting has shown flashes of promise, the bowling unit has come under serious scrutiny, especially after a heavy drubbing in a rain-curtailed clash. With momentum slipping early in the tournament, the Hardik Pandya-led side will need to address key issues quickly to avoid falling behind in the playoff race.

After their epic 148-run opening stand against Kolkata Knight Riders in their opening match, things have gone downhill for MI’s opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton. The duo has failed to provide a solid start in the next two matches, which has been a major reason for their losses. Even Suryakumar Yadav is yet to make a significant contribution.

The five-time champions would also want their senior pros to take more responsibility and play according to the situation. Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya are among the finest batters in IPL history, and if MI want to bounce back, these players must step up.