Mumbai Indians had yet another disastrous season as they finished 9th on the points table in Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). Hardik Pandya and co. managed to win just 4 out of the 14 games they played, and were the second side to be knocked out of the tournament. From batting woes to fielding mishaps to bowling errors, apart from off-field controversies and dressing room leaks, MI’s campaign in IPL 2026 was studded with problems.
Several key players like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya underperformed with the bat. Apart from the performances, Sharma and Pandya were injured at one point of the tournament, and missed quite a few matches as well. With the ball, Jasprit Bumah failed to live up to the expectations, having managed to pick up just 4 wickets in the season. Now, MI will be looking to hit the reset button in their attempt to get back to their best in IPL 2027, and this starts with releasing a few players who have been more of a liability for the franchise.
Players who should be released by MI
Hardik Pandya
Pandya has been boggled by a lot of off-field controversies since his return to MI. His performances were seemingly affected by them as well, as he managed to pick up just 4 wickets, and score 206 runs in 10 matches in IPL 2026. Hardik has reportedly conveyed his intention to leave the franchise due to ‘mental stress’ and did so mid-season.
For a player with the calibre of Pandya, it would be better for him to leave the franchise and find himself a new home where he would be more comfortable, and stay away from the pressure imposed by fans and the team management. An exit from MI is imminent for Hardik.
Shardul Thakur
The 34-year-old picked up 12 wickets from 9 matches at an average of 22.50 in IPL 2026. Despite being a regular in most of MI’s matches, he bowled just 22 overs in the season and was the most expensive fast-bowler as well (an economy rate of 12.27). Shardul’s ability to deliver with the ball has declined over the years. Besides, he was hardly used with the bat in this season. With MI looking ahead, it doesn’t look like he fits well in the side.
Will Jacks
Another player whom MI should consider releasing is Will Jacks. The England all-rounder, who was retained for Rs 5.25 crore, had a sub-par season in 2026, managing to score just 139 runs while he picked up just 2 wickets in the season. IPL 2026 was Jacks’ poorest season with the bat. The promising all-rounder would rather be a better fit for some other franchise who can use him in a better fashion and give him more opportunities.
Deepak Chahar
Once regarded as the most lethal new-ball bowler due to his ability to swing the deliveries, Chahar was the least impressive in IPL 2026. He picked up just 8 wickets in as many matches, averaging 33.12 and an economy rate of 10.39. He wasn’t at his best in the previous season as well, as he had picked up just 11 wickets from 14 matches. This year, Chahar bowled 25.3 overs in which he conceded 265 runs.
Cricket
India to tour New Zealand for historic series in October-November, play 5 T20Is, 5 ODIs and 2 Tests
