The Mumbai Indians' disappointing performance in the IPL 2026 season has led to the decision to not retain Hardik Pandya as captain for the upcoming season. The team finished ninth in the league, managing only four wins out of 14 matches, and Pandya's personal statistics were underwhelming, with just 146 runs and 3 wickets. Former India player Wasim Jaffer expressed that while Pandya should be retained for his skills, he should not lead the team, allowing him to concentrate on improving his individual performance. Kieron Pollard, the batting coach, defended Pandya, stating that the team's struggles were a collective failure rather than a reflection of his leadership alone. Pollard noted that the management provided Pandya with ample opportunities to succeed but acknowledged that the season did not meet expectations. As the franchise looks for a new captain, the search continues without a clear candidate emerging to take over the leadership role.