Mumbai Indians Hardik Pandya (Photo by ANI) Mumbai Indians all-rounder Corbin Bosch has admitted that the absence of regular skipper Hardik Pandya has made life difficult for the five-time IPL champions this season as the team struggled to recover from the crucial moments that went against them during a disappointing campaign. Mumbai Indians have been officially knocked out of the IPL 2026 play-off race following their narrow defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur on Sunday, a match that Hardik Pandya missed due to a back spasm.
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Mahela Jayawardene reflects on MI’s disappointing IPL 2026 campaign The RCB match marked the third league stage game that Hardik has sat out this season after previously missing the away game against Delhi Capitals and the home game against Lucknow Super Giants. Ahead of Mumbai Indians’ upcoming match against Punjab Kings, Bosch said the team has certainly felt the absence of its captain, both as a leader and as a player, but added that the side must move forward despite the setback. “Obviously it was tough. Hardik is not only a leader but also a fantastic cricketer. We missed his presence when it comes to things on the field,” Bosch told reporters on the eve of MI’s match against Punjab Kings. “I’m sure the people who make the decisions and the people who look after him are trying to do the best for him and for the team itself. “It was difficult but at the same time the game is moving forward and we still need to play cricket so it’s one of those things,” added Bosch. India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has led Mumbai Indians in all three matches in Hardik’s absence and could captain the team again when MI take on Punjab Kings on Thursday. Mumbai Indians are currently second from bottom in the 10-team points table and Bosch believes the side’s inability to deliver a complete all-round performance has been the biggest reason for their disappointing season. “We just didn’t put together a complete game. One day it would be the bowlers doing well and the batsmen struggling a little bit, or (the next day) the batsmen doing well and the bowlers struggling,” he said. “The key moments in the game that this team is known for winning, we just didn’t do that this year.” “Maybe throwing away crucial chances at crucial stages of the game that turned the game the other way. It’s a lot of things, but at the same time we make sure we leave no stone unturned in every game,” added Bosch.
