Hardik Pandya Told To 'Say No To Mumbai Indians Captaincy' By Ex-BCCI Selector: "Things Will Get Resolved" The captaincy dispute at Mumbai Indians (MI) has resurfaced as former India batter Kris Srikkanth has called on Hardik Pandya to voluntarily step down as team captain and hand over the role to Suryakumar Yadav. Srikkanth, a former BCCI selector, emphasized that the situation requires a resolution, suggesting that Hardik should communicate directly with the management to address the internal conflict. Hardik rejoined MI in 2024 through a high-profile trade from Gujarat Titans, the team he led to their inaugural IPL title in 2022. However, the franchise’s decision to appoint him as captain in 2025, despite his recent playoff exit, has sparked speculation about tensions between Hardik and former captain Rohit Sharma. The management’s choice faced backlash after MI finished at the bottom of the table in 2024, though the team showed signs of recovery by reaching the playoffs in 2025. The leadership debate has persisted into the 2026 season, with calls for a change in captaincy growing louder. Srikkanth highlighted the unusual nature of the situation, noting that two T20 World Cup-winning captains—Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav—are currently playing under Hardik’s leadership. He argued that the franchise must address this internal policy issue, suggesting that Suryakumar should be given the opportunity to lead. “They should ask Surya to lead this year to see if there is a change of luck,” Srikkanth said. “They can always appoint Surya as the captain anytime. It’s a funny situation. Hardik is a good captain, but the obvious choice should be Suryakumar.” The former BCCI selector also urged Hardik to take the initiative by publicly supporting Suryakumar’s leadership.#suryakumar_yadav #hardik_pandya #rohit_sharma #mumbai_indians #kris_srikkanth
Mumbai Indians captaincy debate reignites as ex-India star urges leadership shift Mumbai Indians, the five-time Indian Premier League champions, face renewed scrutiny over their leadership structure as they prepare for the 2026 season. Despite boasting a star-studded squad including Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Tilak Varma, the franchise has not won the title since 2020. The team’s recent struggles have sparked discussions about whether a change in leadership could revitalize their fortunes. The debate intensified after Hardik Pandya took over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma in 2024. While the transition initially showed promise, the team’s performance declined, culminating in a last-place finish that season. The following year brought some improvement, with Mumbai reaching the playoffs, but they were eliminated in Qualifier 2 by Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer. These results have fueled calls for a reevaluation of the team’s leadership dynamics. Former India selector Kris Srikkanth has weighed in on the situation, suggesting that Suryakumar Yadav, who recently led India to T20 World Cup success, should be given the captaincy. Srikkanth emphasized that the franchise’s management, along with key players like Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, should consider allowing Yadav to lead. “They should ask Surya to lead this year to see if there is a change of luck,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel. “They don’t need to announce it right now.” Srikkanth also highlighted the unusual internal dynamics within the squad, noting that multiple World Cup-winning captains are currently playing under Hardik. “It’s a funny situation,” he remarked. “Hardik is a good captain, but they have two T20 World Cup-winning captains playing under him. This might be a franchise policy.#suryakumar_yadav #hardik_pandya #rohit_sharma #mumbai_indians #kris_srikkanth
His Bowling Is Terrible - Ex-India Captain Criticizes Sam Curran Ahead of T20 World Cup Semifinal Former India captain Kris Srikkanth expressed strong doubts about England all-rounder Sam Curran’s ability to contain the Indian batting lineup in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 5. Srikkanth claimed that Curran’s bowling has been ineffective in the tournament and warned that India’s aggressive top-order batters, including Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, would exploit his weaknesses immediately. Curran, who has taken six wickets in seven matches at an average of over 25 and an economy rate of 8.60, has delivered mixed results for England. While he played crucial roles in securing victories against Nepal and Italy during the group stage, his overall performance has been inconsistent. Srikkanth highlighted this, stating that Curran has “not been effective with the ball” in the tournament. The former captain also predicted that Indian batters would dominate Curran from the outset, with Sharma and Samson likely to hit him aggressively. Srikkanth’s comments were shared on his YouTube channel, where he emphasized that Curran’s bowling is “terrible” except for his standout performance against Nepal. He warned that if England opens the innings with Curran, the Indian batters would “smash him to Church Gate and Marine Drive,” with one ball potentially landing at the iconic Marine Drive location. Beyond Curran, Srikkanth also raised concerns about England’s batting depth, arguing that the team relies heavily on Harry Brook and Will Jacks for consistent runs. He criticized Jos Buttler and Phil Salt for their struggles, suggesting that their poor form could cost England the match.#t20_world_cup_2026 #sanju_samson #abhishek_sharma #sam_curran #kris_srikkanth
Sam Curran Under Fire: Ex-India Captain Says ‘His Bowling is terrible’ Ahead of Mumbai Semi Former Team India captain Kris Srikkanth has publicly criticized England’s left-arm all-rounder Sam Curran, warning that the player may struggle against India’s aggressive batting lineup in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Srikkanth’s remarks focus on Curran’s inconsistent bowling performance throughout the tournament, highlighting his mixed results: six wickets in seven matches at an average above 25 and an economy rate of 8.60. The former captain argued that India’s top-order batters, including Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, could exploit Curran’s vulnerabilities early in the innings, framing his critique around England’s reliance on a narrow set of in-form batters. The timing of Srikkanth’s comments is significant, as India has demonstrated resilience in the Super Eight stage, recovering from a heavy loss to South Africa and securing wins over Zimbabwe and the West Indies. Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 97 off 50 balls has reinforced India’s batting momentum, while Varun Chakaravarthy’s recent form poses a specific threat to England. Srikkanth suggested that India’s strategy would target Curran’s bowling, particularly in the early overs, and emphasized that the first six overs could be decisive in shaping the match. Statistically, Curran’s tournament performance presents a mixed picture. While he has delivered crucial late-innings spells against Nepal and Italy, his overall bowling has been inconsistent. Srikkanth pointed out that, aside from one match, Curran’s bowling has been ineffective, raising questions about England’s tactical approach.#t20_world_cup_2026 #wankhede_stadium #sanju_samson #sam_curran #kris_srikkanth
T20 World Cup Semifinal: Kris Srikkanth Warns Sam Curran May Struggle Against India Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has raised concerns about England all-rounder Sam Curran’s potential struggles in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal against India, set for March 5 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Srikkanth argued that Curran’s bowling could be outmatched by India’s aggressive batting lineup, which features power hitters like Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. The former captain suggested that Curran’s lack of consistent performance might leave him vulnerable to early wickets, particularly against India’s formidable opening pair. Curran’s overall bowling statistics in the tournament reflect mixed results. While he has taken six wickets in seven matches, his average of over 25 and an economy rate of 8.60 have not impressed analysts. Srikkanth pointed out that Curran’s contributions have been limited to a few standout spells against Nepal and Italy, which helped England secure victories. During a recent YouTube session, Srikkanth criticized Curran’s bowling, stating, “Except for the Nepal match, his bowling is terrible. If Curran bowls, the Indian batters will smash him to Church Gate and Marine Drive.” He warned that players like Sharma and Samson could exploit his weaknesses from the start, potentially leading to a quick collapse for England. Srikkanth also highlighted England’s batting challenges, noting that their lineup relies heavily on a few key players. Harry Brook and Will Jacks have been the primary contributors, with Brook scoring 228 runs and Jacks adding 191. However, other English batters, such as Jos Buttler and Phil Salt, have struggled for consistency. Srikkanth suggested that India’s bowlers, including Varun Chakaravarthy, could capitalize on these vulnerabilities.#wankhede_stadium #sanju_samson #abhishek_sharma #sam_curran #kris_srikkanth
