Former India captain Kris Srikkanth did not hold back in his criticism of Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar and said that the two bowlers do not deserve to be part of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026. In a direct remark, Srikkanth urged the Mumbai Indians management to pay the two cricketers and ask them to stay out of the season.
Srikkanth’s scathing assessment came after Mumbai Indians lost to Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, April 16. Mumbai Indians posted 195 in 20 overs, a sub-par total on a good pitch. One dewy evening the Punjabi kings made a light chase, reaching the target in just 16.2 overs.
Despite knowing that Punjab Kings openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyash Arya were in good form, Mumbai did not start the bowling with Jasprit Bumrah. Instead, Deepak Chahar, who opened the bowling, conceded 21 runs, setting a poor tone for their defence. Prabhsimran attacked the bowling and scored 80 off 39 balls. He was joined by captain Shreyas Iyer who was in complete control with his 35-ball 66.
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While Jasprit Bumrah lost his wicket under pressure and conceded 41 runs in four overs, Shardul and Deepak shared 87 runs between them in just 5.3 overs. The two were hit in all parts of the ground and skipper Hardik Pandya had no option but to not use their full quota of four overs.
“I don’t know how MI is playing in the eleven. I don’t know why they kept him. First he gave away 21 runs. In the previous match it was 22 runs. 2.3 overs, 45 runs,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube show.
MI vs PBKS: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
“Our sir, Shardul Thakur. 3 overs, 42 runs. Together they bowled 5.3 overs and 87 runs.”
“How can you win a match when two of your important bowlers give away 87 runs in 5.3 overs? How can you both play in the eleven? I asked that question in the pre-match show? Are you saying they don’t have any good bowling options?”
“Send them home. Pay them money and ask them not to come back this season. Tell them if they’re needed, they’ll be called. Yes, you can do that. It’s not bad,” he stated.
GIVE BUMRAH AN ACTION
The former chairman of selectors also criticized Mumbai Indians for not resting Jasprit Bumrah at the start of the season, especially after the top paceman entered the IPL 2026 season after a busy T20 World Cup campaign. Bumrah wicketless in five matches and was severely punished by Punjab Kings as he conceded 41 runs in four overs without claiming a wicket.
“Five matches without a wicket. He also bowled. He needs a mental break and a physical break. He gave his life and was at the peak of his abilities in the T20 World Cup. He was in contention for the player of the tournament award. Now he is being overworked,” commented Srikkanth. “I don’t understand how I rated this bowling attack 9.5 at the start of the season. Even if they put up 500, the opposition would chase it down. That’s how bad their bowling attack is,” he added.
Mumbai Indians, who have lost four in a row, will face Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Monday.
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Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
18 Apr 2026 10:31 IST
