Virender Sehwag delivered a blunt verdict on MI, asking team to at least ‘lose well’ and entertain fans despite poor season.
Former India opener Virender Sehwag has delivered a blunt assessment of Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2026 campaign, saying the team appears to have accepted that playoff qualification is unlikely. He urged the side to at least play positive cricket and give fans something to cheer.
Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, have managed just 2 wins this season and now face Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday. The team is on a 3-match losing streak, including 2 defeats against Chennai Super Kings. Even if MI win their remaining 6 matches, they will reach only 14 points, which may not secure a playoff spot.
Sehwag said the team should aim to play better and create at least some positive moments for fans despite their situation.
“Even MI have thought that they can’t qualify for the playoffs this season. Sure, you can’t qualify, but you will have to leave some memories for the fans as well. At least lose after playing some good cricket, then it’s understandable,” Sehwag said while speaking on Cricbuzz.
Mumbai Indians slipped further in IPL 2026 after their seventh loss, going down to Chennai Super Kings on May 02. The defeat has pushed the Hardik Pandya-led side close to elimination, with 5 league matches still left.
READ ALSO | BCCI Plans Strict IPL Rules On ‘Girlfriend Culture’ After Concerns Over Discipline Protocols
MI Qualification Scenarios
In the current 10-team format, teams usually need 16 points (8 wins) to secure a playoff spot. A total of 14 points (7 wins) offers only an outside chance, while 12 points (6 wins) rarely proves enough.
Mumbai Indians have 2 wins and 4 points so far. If they win all 5 remaining matches, they will reach 14 points, where net run rate will decide their fate. Winning 4 out of 5 games will take them to 12 points, forcing them to depend on other results.
READ ALSO | Ramakrishna Ghosh Ruled Out of IPL 2026 After Foot Fracture
If MI lose more than 1 match, they cannot stay in contention, as top teams already have at least 12 points.
Their remaining fixtures include LSG on May 4, RCB on May 10, PBKS on May 14, KKR on May 20 and RR on May 24.
This article follows WicketWatcher’s editorial standards. Learn more in our Editorial Policy or report an issue via our Corrections Policy.