Kamal Ghorui
The danger for ninth-placed MI, who have lost seven of their nine matches, is that another defeat could push them to the bottom of the table, swapping places with LSG.
Bumrah (three wickets in nine matches at 94.66, economy 8.60), Pandya (146 runs in eight matches at 20.85, four wickets at 61.50, economy 11.90) and Suryakumar (183 runs in nine matches at 20.33) have endured a forgettable IPL 2026, severely hampering MI’s campaign — more so in the absence of former skipper Rohit Sharma, who has missed the last five games with a hamstring injury. Rohit attended MI’s optional practice session on Sunday alongside head coach Mahela Jayawardene, but there remains no clarity on his return.
With playoff hopes all but over, MI will look to their Indian core to salvage some pride. Bumrah has lacked his usual sharpness, Suryakumar’s prolonged lean patch continues, and Pandya’s form — both as a player and leader — has come under scrutiny.
Tactically too, Pandya’s captaincy has been questioned, with some pointing to India’s earlier decision to hand the T20I captaincy to Suryakumar.
While MI batters such as Quinton de Kock, Tilak Varma and Ryan Rickelton have struck centuries this season, the unit has largely been inconsistent. The bowlers, too, have struggled to control the flow of runs, leaving the team in need of a reset.
Suryakumar, in particular, has failed to convert starts, often falling while attempting his trademark strokes, especially against pace. Concerns are growing that the 35-year-old may no longer be the feared T20 batter he once was, with speculation mounting over his longterm leadership role.
There have also been suggestions that MI should consider resting Bumrah for the remainder of the season to keep him fresh for international cricket, though that appears unlikely.
LSG, too, have endured a difficult run, losing five matches on the trot after winning their first two, and now sit at the bottom of the table.
Their batting has misfired badly. Nicholas Pooran has managed just 82 runs in eight matches at an average of 10.25 and a strike rate of 81.18. Openers Aiden Markram (193 runs at 24.12) and Mitchell Marsh (212 runs at 26.50), along with skipper Rishabh Pant (189 runs at 27.00, strike rate 126.84), have also struggled for consistency.
However, the arrival of Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis could bolster their batting. If he features, his contest with Bumrah will be one to watch — especially after his success against the pacer in last season’s IPL.
LSG’s bowling, in contrast, has been more encouraging. In their previous match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Mohsin Khan’s 5/23 — the best figures of the season — nearly sealed a win. With Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav and Mohsin forming a strong pace attack, LSG have the tools — but their batters must provide a platform. With a packed schedule ahead, it is ‘now or never’ for LSG.
