Right after the report of Hardik Pandya set to miss another match in IPL 2026 picked up, it seems stand-in skipper from the last encounter, Suryakumar Yadav might also not be able to play the MI vs RCB in Raipur on May 10. While, as per Cricbuzz, Pandya has back spasms and has not travelled with the team to the next destination, Surya, as per social media chatter, is expected to become a father soon, which will keep him away.
There has been no official statement by the team on the status of both players, as of now, but if that is indeed true, that can create a bit of vacuum in the already struggling Mumbai. They are 9th on the points table and have won only 3 matches, after playing 10. That also leaves the space of the skipper vacant.
So, who can potentially lead MI? They do have a few options, and it is only fair, we analyse them.
Rohit Sharma the old horse
Rohit Sharma last led MI in IPL 2023, and since then, the responsibility has been bestowed upon Pandya. IN 163 matches as a skipper, he won 91 of those, and include 5 IPL trophies. His win% was a staggering 55.82. He could be a great option for one match to lead, but then, for MI it could be a step backwards. Moreover, he himself has missed 5 matches due to an injury, and wouldn’t want to take additional captaincy pressure — when he is batting so well. In 5 matches, he has scored 221 runs, at an average of 55.
World’s best bowler Jasprit Bumrah
Bumrah has been part of the MI leadership group for a long time now. Till now, he doesn’t have the experience of leading Mumbai in the IPL, but has some experience overall, from international cricket. He becomes the obvious choice to lead; but with him, the only consideration would be — if he wants to lead the side or not. His personal form hasn’t been all that good – and has only 3 wickets in 10 matches. Still the frontrunner though.
Tilak Varma an option too
If the management wants to groom a youngster for the leadership role, it will have to be TV. Yes, barring that 100, he hasn’t done much in the season, but he is a fine, fine batter. He has spent enough time with the franchise as well, and has some stature in the team. So, he could be considered, if the other two don’t want to take up the role, temporarily.
In 64 matches he has played for the team, he has scored 1703 runs so far, at an average of 34, and a strike rate of 145.
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