R Ashwin pinpoints biggest reason behind Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2026 horror show – R Ashwin pinpoints biggest reason behind Mumbai Indians IPL 2026 horror show
Ravichandran Ashwin has offered a scathing yet insightful breakdown of the Mumbai Indians’ disastrous IPL 2026 campaign, identifying the teams core issues in a brutally honest analysis on his YouTube channel. With MI failing to qualify for the playoffs for the third time in five seasons, Ashwin pointed directly at a shocking collapse in performance from their premier bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, as the single biggest red flag.
Shockingly Poor Bowling Figures Define Bumrahs Season
In what could be one of the most baffling statistical performances in T20 history, Bumrah managed only 4 wickets in 13 matches, at an astonishingly poor bowling average of 102.50. This marks the first time any bowler has averaged over 100 in a full IPL seasona grim milestone for a player widely regarded as the best death bowler in the world.
This is the first time in the history of IPL that a bowler has averaged over 100 after playing the full season, and thats Jasprit Bumrah, said Ashwin. I dont think anybody would have believed me if I had said this before the season.
Even more concerning was his lack of controlan economy rate spiraling past the 10-run-per-over mark, rendering him ineffective in the death overs where he once dominated.
Injuries Plagued the Entire Unit
Beyond Bumrahs form, Ashwin highlighted how a wave of injuries significantly disrupted Mumbais campaign. Rohit Sharma missed key middle-phase matches due to a toe injury and hamstring strain. Hardik Pandya was sidelined twice late in the season with a back spasm, further destabilizing the leadership and all-round balance.
The absences of Quinton de Kock and Mitchell Santner for the entire tournament were massive blows. De Kock, a consistent opener, was no longer around to provide explosive starts, while Santners absence left a gaping hole in the spin department and tactical fielding setup.
Trent Boults Expensive Gamble Backfires
Mumbais decision to acquire Trent Boult for a hefty INR 12.50 crores in 2025 turned into a major misstep. Boult managed just 2 wickets in 5 matches, at an average of 94 and an economy rate exceeding 11. He was eventually dropped from the XI.
I think they will release Trent Boult to free up their purse. That I am very sure of, Ashwin stated. But apart from that, what other changes can they make? It is very risky because you have players with a pedigree, and if they want to play, leaving them is not an easy decision.
The franchises famed One Family ethos, while emotionally binding, may now be hindering tough but necessary squad overhaul decisions.
Hardik Pandyas Struggles Under the Spotlight
Captain Hardik Pandya endured a personal slump too, scoring just 206 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 138 and an average of 22.89. With the ball, he took only 4 wickets at an average of nearly 65 and an economy close to 11.5.
Ashwin observed a visible technical issue: Hardik used to bat at No. 4 and No. 5 for Gujarat Titans. He used to take down the spinners. But this time, it looks like he has a small problem with the hard length ball. I dont know why. It could be fatigue or injury.
This suggests that the cumulative physical and mental toll might be impacting one of MIs pivotal figures.
What Lies Ahead for MI in IPL 2027?
Looking forward, Ashwin expressed cautious pessimism. This Mumbai Indians team seemed a bit strange. It cannot be easy. With the quality they have, maybe they can play well next year. But I wont be surprised if they also find it hard for one more year.
He added, It looks like a lot of people are not at their best. I was surprised this year, but I wouldnt be if they give a middling performance next year.
The message is clear: Mumbai Indians need more than just luck or sentimentality. They need tough selection calls, medical clarity, and a reevaluation of their core strategy if they are to reclaim their place at the top of the IPL ladder.
