Mumbai Indians Captain Hardik Pandya. (AP photo) MUMBAI: Captaining five-time champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings is never a straightforward task. The challenge becomes even more daunting when the men in charge are asked to fill the tall shoes of Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni, figures who have an almost mythical status in their respective franchises. MI captain Hardik Pandya and CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad are finding out firsthand how heavy that burden can be.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!As the heavyweights of the IPL prepare to square off at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, the focus will not only be on the two sides desperate to resurrect a faltering campaign, but also on the captains struggling to find form while handling the pressures of management.
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Matthew Hayden reacts after Gujarat Titans’ defeat against Mumbai Indians Both Pandya and Gaikwad entered the 19th edition of the IPL with impressive credentials. Pandya had a stellar 2025, scoring 217 runs and taking nine wickets, playing a key role in India’s World T20 triumph in 2026. Meanwhile, Gaikwad enjoyed a solid domestic season for Maharashtra before returning to the Indian ODI side in December 2025 with a century against South Africa. However, the transition from individual success to leading high-profile IPL franchises has been anything but smooth.Pandya’s struggles were particularly tough. The 32-year-old has managed just 96 runs in five matches this season, with his declining efficiency in the death overs becoming more evident. His last two innings, a labored 14 off 12 balls against Punjab Kings and a scrappy 15 off 16 deliveries against Gujarat Titans, highlighted his inability to dominate opposition bowling attacks when it mattered most.Even with the ball, Pandya was not powerful. He took just three wickets while conceding runs at an economy rate of 11.69, a worrying rise from his career average of 9.29. Rohit and Dhoni have a hitThe availability of Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni for Thursday’s clash remains uncertain, with both players subject to medical assessments by their respective medical teams.“MS, we will know today. That decision will be made once the medical staff is completely satisfied that he is ready to go,” CSK bowling consultant Eric Simons said on Wednesday. However, both hit the net on the eve of the match.2 – Hundreds were scored in MI vs CSK matches — 114* off 48 balls by Sanath Jayasuriya on 14 May 2008 and 105* off 63 balls by Rohit Sharma on 14 April 2024, both at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
88 – Ruturaj Gaikwad unbeaten off 58 balls in Dubai on 19 September 2021, the highest individual innings for CSK against MI in the IPL.
