Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has urged the Mumbai Indians management to consider a significant leadership change following a disappointing performance in IPL 2026. After the team’s elimination from playoff contention, which followed a narrow last-ball defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Manjrekar proposed that star bowler Jasprit Bumrah take over as captain from Hardik Pandya.
The five-time champions faced a tough season, winning only three matches, leading to scrutiny of Hardik’s captaincy. Manjrekar praised Bumrah’s cricketing insight and backed him as a potential leader for both the franchise and the national team.
“I’d like to see Bumrah captain India, because I don’t think anyone sees the game as well as he does. What he does with his bowling involves not just the action but also anticipation, reading the batter, understanding situations, and pitches. I’m a bit disappointed that he doesn’t seem interested in captaincy in England. He didn’t take on the role when Shubman Gill was made captain, but hopefully, he should get a chance in the Indian Premier League,” he said in an interview with Sportstar.
Manjrekar also suggested that MI should have brought in Ashish Nehra when they acquired Hardik from Gujarat Titans. The duo previously enjoyed great success together, leading Gujarat to an IPL title.
“You caught what I was hinting at, as I believe they might need to look beyond Hardik Pandya. This move hasn’t worked out, and it’s not fair to Hardik either. If Hardik was coming to Mumbai, they should’ve also brought Ashish Nehra along. But Ashish won’t be with him,” he added.
Manjrekar is confident that leading an IPL team would be less pressure for Bumrah than managing the responsibilities of a Test captain.
“I’d really like to see Bumrah given a shot because that role wouldn’t be as demanding as being a Test captain, where he has to stay fit and prepared for each match,” he concluded.
This season, Suryakumar Yadav has been leading the Mumbai franchise in the absence of their regular captain, Hardik Pandya.