Mumbai: Ravichandran Ashwin has delivered a sharp critique of Mumbai Indians following their disappointing campaign in the Indian Premier League 2026 season, where the five-time champions finished a lowly ninth on the points table.

A team known for its consistency and championship pedigree failed to live up to expectations this year, with underwhelming performances from key players such as Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav contributing to their struggles.

Season derailed by inconsistent performances

Mumbai Indians’ campaign never truly gained momentum, as both batting and bowling units struggled for consistency. The team’s final match against Rajasthan Royals summed up their season — a promising position turned into a disappointing defeat.

Chasing a target at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai were comfortably placed at 148/5 and required just 60 runs from 34 balls. With experienced players like Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav at the crease, the chase appeared well within reach.

However, a sudden collapse in the lower order saw them fall short, eventually finishing at 175/9. The defeat not only ended their campaign on a sour note but also highlighted the team’s inability to close out matches under pressure.

Ashwin questions team structure and form

Ashwin did not hold back in his assessment, describing Mumbai’s overall performance as “strange” given the quality of players in the squad. He pointed out that several individuals appeared to be far from their best, raising concerns about both form and team balance.

“At the Wankhede Stadium, if you need 60 runs off 34 balls, Mumbai Indians would usually chase it down. But that’s where things went wrong,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

He noted that while Hardik Pandya showed glimpses of his batting ability, particularly against spin, there were visible issues in handling certain deliveries. According to Ashwin, Hardik struggled against hard-length balls, which may have contributed to his dismissal at a crucial stage.

Ashwin also suggested that fatigue or injury could be factors behind the dip in performance, although he acknowledged uncertainty over the exact reasons.

Turning point in final match

The dismissal of Hardik Pandya proved to be a decisive moment in the chase. Ashwin highlighted that the partnership between Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav had the potential to take Mumbai across the line.

Instead, the team failed to accelerate, losing wickets in quick succession and allowing Rajasthan Royals to regain control of the match.

“I think the game turned right there,” Ashwin remarked, referring to Hardik’s dismissal off a slower ball bowled by Jofra Archer.

This inability to capitalise on strong positions was a recurring theme throughout Mumbai’s campaign, ultimately costing them crucial points.

Bumrah’s rare statistical setback

Ashwin also drew attention to an unusual and concerning statistic involving Jasprit Bumrah. Widely regarded as one of the world’s best bowlers, Bumrah endured a rare off-season.

According to Ashwin, Bumrah recorded a bowling average exceeding 100 this season — a figure almost unheard of for a player of his calibre.

“This is the first time in IPL history that a bowler has played a full season and averaged over 100,” Ashwin said, expressing disbelief at the statistic.

Bumrah’s struggles, coupled with injury concerns and absence in key matches, further weakened Mumbai’s bowling attack.

Concerns ahead of next season

Looking ahead, Ashwin warned that Mumbai Indians could face similar challenges in the next season if issues are not addressed. He emphasised that the current team structure and lack of peak performance from key players could continue to hinder results.

“Given their quality, maybe they can come back and play well next year, but I won’t be surprised if they find it tough for one more year,” he said.

Ashwin added that he would not be surprised even if Mumbai delivered another middling performance, underlining the seriousness of the concerns surrounding the team.

A rare off-year for a champion side

For a franchise with a history of success, the 2026 season represents a significant setback. Mumbai Indians have built a reputation for bouncing back strongly, but this campaign exposed gaps that need urgent attention.

From batting collapses to inconsistent bowling and questions around leadership, multiple areas require improvement if the team is to return to its former glory.

Conclusion

Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2026 campaign will be remembered as one of their most disappointing seasons. Ravichandran Ashwin’s candid assessment reflects the scale of the issues facing the team.

As the franchise looks ahead, rebuilding form, addressing structural concerns, and regaining confidence will be crucial. Whether they can respond like champions once again remains one of the key storylines heading into the next IPL season.