AB de Villiers. (IANS photo) NEW DELHI: Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has highlighted a key concern for Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2026, warning that one of their front-line pacers may no longer have the same edge that once made him a match-winner.Despite Mumbai Indians boasting a star-studded squad, ABD believes there could be a vulnerability that opposition teams could look to exploit. He pointed out on his YouTube channel that while the team looks balanced on paper, there are subtle signs of decline in one of their veteran pitchers.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!“They don’t need more all-rounders than what they already have. But the only worry for me is Trent Boult. It’s similar to Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) where he lost a yard. He’s not as spicy as he was in 2018, 2019 and 2020, even earlier in 2015 he suggests he noticed and efficiency in 2015.ABD detailed how the pitcher’s powers have slightly diminished over time. “He was in the low 140s, he was really swinging it late because of the fire wrist he got, but maybe he’s pulled back like a yard and he seems to be more expensive the last time I watched him play at SA20,” he added.
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IPL 2026: Ishan Kishan steals the show at the captains’ meetThe former RCB star warned that this perceived decline could give the franchise a “false sense of security”. “Maybe it’s an area where they feel they have a lot of insurance there, but I feel like maybe it’s a false sense of security. It could be an area that some of the opposition batsmen will focus on,” he warned.
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Meanwhile, former India batsman Abhinav Mukund struck more optimistically, highlighting the depth and balance in the Mumbai Indians squad. “They have a lot of in-form players which makes them scary. De Kock will enjoy playing at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai,” he said, endorsing the overall strength of the team.Mukund also questioned the need for additional options and highlighted the presence of several established bowlers. “They have a lot of options and look very good on paper,” he added.While Mumbai Indians look poised for another title push, ABD’s ranking serves as a reminder that even the most formidable of units can have major concerns.
