'Hardik Pandya has picked up only 4 wickets and has an economy of over 12' - Aakash Chopra on MI's worries ahead of clash vs CSK

Published - 02 May 2026, 14:21 IST | Updated - 02 May 2026, 14:32 IST

Mumbai Indians will be desperate to get back to winning ways when they face the Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday, May 2.

The tourists have lost six matches and won just two so far in IPL 2026. One of their major problems has been skipper Hardik Pandya's dismal form with bat and ball. Aakash Chopra highlighted the fact that Hardik has only hit four sixes after facing 84 balls this season. With the ball, the Baroda all-rounder has only picked up four wickets at an economy rate of 12.

"Hardik Pandya has played 84 balls and has hit only four sixes. Donovan Ferreira hit six sixes in 14 balls (in yesterday's game). Hardik Pandya, India's clutch player, India's best white-ball all-rounder, but four sixes in 84 balls, and he has picked up only four wickets and has an economy of over 12," Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Chopra added that the Mumbai Indians' batters have struggled against left-arm spinners and they would be tested by Chennai Super Kings' in-form duo of Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad.

"Mumbai Indians vs left-arm spin - Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad had arrested them last time as well. They had taken six wickets between them. They have lost eight wickets against left-arm spin, and they have run at a strike rate of 130. Nobody is able to control the middle overs. Left-arm spinners come and grab you, and two will come this evening," he observed.

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Chennai and Mumbai faced each other earlier in the tournament at the Wankhede Stadium. The Men in Yellow posted 207/6 in their 20 overs, with Sanju Samson scoring a blistering 101 not out off just 54 balls. In reply, the Mumbai Indians were bowled out for just 104, losing the match by 103 runs. Akeal was the pick of the bowlers, bagging four wickets and giving away just 17 runs in four overs. Meanwhile, Noor also accounted for two scalps.