“Might not”: Kieron Pollard drops massive hint on captaincy change after Hardik Pandya’s struggles

A Season to Forget for Mumbai Indians

The conclusion of the IPL 2026 season has brought little joy to the Mumbai Indians faithful. Finishing in ninth place within the ten-team league, the franchise managed only four victories against a staggering ten defeats. This performance stands in stark contrast to the team’s historical pedigree, raising urgent questions about the direction of the squad and, more specifically, the leadership of Hardik Pandya.

Following their final match of the season against the Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians batting coach Kieron Pollard faced the media. His comments have sparked intense speculation across the cricketing world, as “Might not”: Kieron Pollard drops massive hint on captaincy change after Hardik Pandya’s struggles during the press conference. The transparency with which Pollard addressed the team’s failings suggests that a significant internal review is imminent.

The Inconsistency Problem

Pollard did not shy away from the harsh reality of the season. Reflecting on the team’s trajectory, he noted, “Twelve months ago, we finished third. Now again, we finished ninth. Those are the inconsistencies we will have to address.” The Mumbai Indians’ journey since 2022 has been a rollercoaster of mediocrity and near-misses. With standings of 10th in 2022, a Qualifier 2 loss in 2023, 10th in 2024, another Qualifier 2 exit in 2025, and now a 9th-place finish in 2026, the pattern of instability is difficult to ignore.

Pollard emphasized that the team management intends to sit down and honestly evaluate every facet of their performance. “We will sit and talk, lick our wounds, and hopefully come back stronger in 10 months,” he stated. When pressed on the leadership aspect, he acknowledged that while results were not what anyone wanted, he would not make rash judgments, yet he clearly implied that the individual performance of the captain would be subject to scrutiny.

Hardik Pandya’s Underwhelming Campaign

The criticism directed at Hardik Pandya is not merely about team results; it is rooted in his personal output. Entering the tournament fresh off a T20 World Cup victory, expectations for the seam-bowling all-rounder were sky-high. Unfortunately, reality proved to be a difficult pill to swallow for both the management and the fans.

In 10 matches, Pandya managed to score only 206 runs at a strike rate of 138. His contributions with the ball were equally concerning, claiming just 4 wickets throughout the season while maintaining an economy rate of nearly 12. For a player tasked with leading such a decorated franchise, these statistics fall significantly short of the standard required to anchor a successful campaign.

A Missed Opportunity Against Rajasthan Royals

The final game against the Rajasthan Royals epitomized the frustration of the Mumbai Indians’ season. Chasing a target of 205, the team had the potential to secure a consolation victory. Pandya, set in the middle, appeared poised to be the hero. However, he fell for 34 runs off 15 balls, effectively ending the team’s chances.

Addressing the loss, Pandya remarked, “It was quite hot as well, bowlers did a pretty good job. It was chaseable, we just lost a lot of wickets in the powerplay, and then it was always a catch-up game.” His post-match assessment reflected the recurring theme of the season: a strong team on paper failing to execute when it mattered most. The inability to build partnerships and manage pressure moments has ultimately cost the Mumbai Indians a spot in the playoffs, and with Pollard’s recent comments, it seems inevitable that substantial changes are on the horizon for the upcoming season. The focus now shifts to the boardroom, where the decision-makers must weigh loyalty against the necessity for a total tactical and structural overhaul.