Mumbai Indians continue their struggles in the ongoing IPL 2026 following an upset defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Wankhede stadium on Wednesday. The loss has further piled up the pressure on the five-time champions who have struggled to hit their strides in this edition.

 

The Mumbai-based franchise posted an imposing total of 243 runs in the contest but faltered in defending the score which raised serious questions about their bowling choices. Shardul Thakur introduced as an Impact Player in the game, went wicketless as the medium-pacer was denied an opportunity to bowl a single over during the entire contest making him the talking point of the game as the debate ensued on various post-match platforms including one involving former India stalwarts Virender Sehwag and Murali Kartik.

 

Mumbai's struggles are not something new to the fans, with the team not featuring consistently in the playoffs since their last IPL title triumph in 2020 and the recent change in leadership with Rohit Sharma being replaced by Hardik Pandya hasn't changed the side's fortunes.

 

'Confused' Sehwag & Kartik questioned Mumbai Indians' Impact Player call

 

During an interaction on the Cricbuzz platform with fellow experts Virender Sehwag and Murali Kartik on a post-match discussion show both Sehwag and Kartik made their feelings clear on the bizarre decision of leaving Shardul Thakur's bowling credentials unused.

 

Kartik said while speaking on the show:

 

"I did not understand too. May be they brought him as an option, but maybe they just forgot it or may be something else. I actually did not understand. Search me again, search me again." 

 

The exchange turned awkward after Sehwag made a sarcastic comment.

 

Sehwag said:

 

"Pass me that Red Bull, I'll make him search. If I splash it right now on his face, he'll start searching only," 

 

Kartik looked uncomfortable at the retort and asked Sehwag to explain his take on the situation instead. Sehwag then voiced his opinion by stating that the bowling all-rounder deserved a chance to bowl at least one over during the contest due to his proven track record of picking wickets at crucial junctures of a match.

 

Also Read | Major Update: Tamim Iqbal Confirms New Tournament in Bangladesh

 

When asked for a clear answer on Mumbai Indians Impact Player call even Sehwag conceded he was left baffled.

 

Sehwag said:

 

"Only Hardik Pandya knows that (answer to that question)," 

 

The defeat has left Mumbai Indians languishing in the bottom half of the table with a mere two victories from their eight matches and the competition entering its final stages makes it imperative that every game for the five-time champions becomes an important encounter.

 

Mumbai still have a chance to qualify for the playoffs but would need a herculean effort and an urgent course correction in terms of their bowling department if they are to prolong their stay in the tournament.