Irfan Pathan Slams Hardik Pandya After MI vs CSK IPL 2026 Defeat, Questions Leadership

Irfan Pathan criticised Hardik Pandya’s captaincy and batting after Mumbai Indians’ 103-run loss to Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan launched a strong critique of Hardik Pandya following Mumbai Indians’s massive 103-run defeat against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on April 23 in IPL 2026. Pathan questioned the decision to chase after winning the toss, pointing out that the pitch conditions were not suited for such a move and that it ultimately backfired on Mumbai.

“Before the match started, before the toss, I told you a figure that happened in the last 6 T20s: The team that batted (first) 4 times has won, but you want to chase after winning the toss. I also said that it is very difficult for you to decide to win the toss and then say that we will bat first,” he said on his YouTube channel.

“It is a difficult task. It was a difficult task for Mumbai, but you have to show courage. And there was a slight turn, a slight help, and Mumbai’s batting was completely exposed,” he added.

Tactical Errors Under Scanner During Crucial Moments

Pathan also highlighted questionable on-field decisions made by Pandya during the match, especially his bowling changes at key stages. The former cricketer was critical of handing the ball to an inexperienced bowler during a high-pressure phase against a well-set batter.

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“See, in the 15th or 16th over, you bring in a young bowler like Kris Bhagat, who is playing his second match, against Sanju Samson, who is completely set. It was a wrong decision. You give the last over to him. Sanju Samson is in front. Not the right decisions. You have to take responsibility. You have to do better as a captain,” he continued.

Batting Concerns Add To Mumbai’s Struggles

Apart from captaincy, Pathan also pointed out flaws in Pandya’s batting approach, stating that the all-rounder has struggled to find rhythm and consistency in recent years. He emphasised the need for technical adjustments, especially against conditions offering assistance to bowlers.

“As a batter too, Hardik made a wrong call. He was definitely under pressure, but you are also looking for a form as a batsman. Since 2023, Hardik has not hit an even half century. You have to use your feet a little. I have said this many times, if there is a little help on the pitch, he has to use his feet. If he uses his feet, he will reach the ball. The pitch is very fast, the ball comes to the ball, then there is no problem.”

“Because he doesn’t run his feet much. Earlier his stance was also different. Earlier his stance was different, now it has become wider. That’s why you get a good balance. That’s why he plays very well on pace. The pitch on which there is pace. Where there is a little grip, a little help. We have seen it in the World Cup as well. He gets out there. He will have to work on that a little,” he further added.

Overall Performance Leaves Much To Be Desired

Summing up his assessment, Pathan stated that Pandya could have contributed much more, both as a captain and as a batter, especially in a season where Mumbai have struggled for consistency.

“But overall, the way he played the game, he could have done much better. Mumbai has been left behind a lot. In front of Gujarat, the better victory, the bigger defeat in front of Chennai,” he concluded.