MI in IPL 2026: A season adrift

Mumbai Indians started with a bang and ended with a whimper. The contrast between their season opener and final home game was stark. They chased down 220 against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29, breaking a 13-year jinx of first game losses. The franchise owners, including Mukesh Ambani, celebrated with players and opposition members. Experts predicted this could be their season.

By May 24, the mood was sombre. They failed to beat Rajasthan Royals and didn't even take a lap of honour after their final home game. Three captains, 24 players (the most used by any side in a single season), questionable selections and 10 defeats defined their campaign. They failed to defend 243 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at home. By season's end, conversations shifted to possible captaincy changes and trades involving the incumbent.

Tilak Varma was a beacon of hope despite not being the team's highest run-scorer. His 359 runs were creditable given his unsettled middle-order role. His century against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad was high quality.

Jasprit Bumrah picked 4 wickets. To put that in perspective, 64 bowlers took more wickets than him in IPL 2026.

A mini-auction pick that…

• Looked a million bucks: Quinton de Kock. Got only three opportunities, scoring a century in one. His opening spot was taken by Ryan Rickelton, who emerged as the side's best batter. MI should have persisted longer with de Kock.
• Didn't work out: Danish Malewar. Looked out of sorts in two games.

Best match of the season

Away against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala on May 24. Tilak Varma and Will Jacks added 56 runs in 21 deliveries, chasing down 201 with calmness in the final over. It effectively ruined Punjab Kings' campaign.

On a scale of 1-10

2 – urgent need for introspection.