Mumbai Indians (MI) are on the verge of elimination in the IPL 2026 after suffering their seventh defeat, losing to arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by eight wickets. Batting first, MI managed only 159 runs for seven wickets, with Naman Dhir's half-century being the standout performance. CSK easily chased down the target with 11 balls to spare, marking a significant turnaround for them. Following the match, former Indian opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth criticized MI captain Hardik Pandya, accusing him of lacking leadership and being 'scared' to bowl during critical moments, particularly in the powerplay. Srikkanth expressed disbelief at Pandya's decisions, stating that his reluctance to bowl himself while handing the ball to Krish Bhagat was detrimental. He further criticized MI's support for Tilak Varma, who has struggled throughout the season, suggesting that a change in batting lineup is necessary. Srikkanth's comments reflect growing concerns over MI's performance and leadership as they navigate a challenging season.