No MI Posts, Unfollow Buzz: Is Hardik Pandya Leaving Mumbai Indians?

Amid ongoing buzz and tensions involving IPL teams and the players, there’s a recent speculation about the MI Captain Hardik Pandya leaving the team mid-season. However, these statements are not yet verified by the team but the fans have started assuming that the skipper might have already been removed from the captaincy after MI’s disastrous IPL 2026 season.

Mumbai Indians failed to qualify for the playoffs 4th time in six seasons and being the first team to get eliminated with only 3 wins so far this season. After MI’s loss against RCB, Captain Pandya reportedly unfollowed the official Insta handle of Mumbai Indians, some fans also noticed that Hardik has archived all the posts and collaborations related to Mumbai Indians from his account. This incident has created a buzz around social media; fans have started speculating that the captain has already left the franchise. Some people are also assuming that Pandya might join the Chennai Super Kings, after he was seen talking to CSK’S CEO Kasi Viswanathan post CSK – MI match, while some are saying that he can be seen with RCB or KKR next season.

Soon after MI’s defeat against the Delhi Capitals, Hardik has missed two consecutive games. Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene earlier stated that Hardik has been struggling with back issue and is currently under treatment. He further added, “We’ll see. It’s on a day-to-day basis. See how he feels. And then we’ll make a decision on that.”

Meanwhile, Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar on Monday slammed Hardik Pandya stating that the Mumbai Indians need to take a call on his captaincy ahead of next season and look for a better leader for the team.

However, it is yet to be seen whether Hardik comes back in the next MI vs PBKS match or he has really decided to move on with another team following season.

This article is written by Divya Sharma, a student of Kristu Jayanti Deemed to be University, interning with Deccan Chronicle.