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Harbhajan Singh: Hardik Pandya Must Unleash His 'A Game' to Lead MI to IPL Glory

Harbhajan Singh has called on Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya to rediscover his best all-round form to lead the team's charge in IPL 2026. The former MI skipper emphasized that Pandya's performance with both bat and ball will be pivotal in ending the franchise's five-year trophy drought. Singh also opined that the team is unlikely to start both Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton together, with Rohit Sharma set to open with one of them. Pandya's leadership will be under scrutiny as MI seeks to become the most successful IPL franchise.

Key Points: Harbhajan Singh's Advice to Hardik Pandya for IPL 2026

  • Pandya must lead from the front
  • His bowling form is crucial
  • MI aims to end 5-year trophy drought
  • De Kock & Rickelton unlikely to play together
2 min read

"Hardik Pandya needs to bring his A game to the table": Harbhajan Singh ahead of IPL 2026

Harbhajan Singh urges Hardik Pandya to lead from the front with bat and ball to end Mumbai Indians' trophy drought in IPL 2026.

"Hardik Pandya needs to bring his A game to the table. - Harbhajan Singh"

New Delhi, March 16

Mumbai Indians are set to enter the Indian Premier League 2026 under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, aiming to end their five-year trophy drought and become the most successful franchise in the league's history and the former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh believes 'Pandya should lead from the front' to make that happen.

Speaking on JioHotstar, the former MI skipper Harbhajan Singh urged Hardik Pandya to lead from the front. "I think Hardik Pandya needs to unleash his real Hardik Pandya version. He needs to bring his A game to the table. Once he starts playing his A game, not just as a batter but as a bowler as well, it will make a huge difference," said Singh.

"We saw him bowl in the T20 World Cup. He was brilliant with the ball. That is what he needs to do in the IPL as well. When a captain leads from the front and shows the way, everyone follows. It will come down to belief. If Hardik and his men believe from day one that they are not just there to compete, but to lift the trophy for the sixth time, things can change very quickly for MI," the former all-rounder further added.

Pandya was appointed Mumbai Indians captain in 2023, replacing Rohit Sharma from the helm ahead of the IPL 2024 season. MI finished at the bottom of the points table in 2024 and at the fourth spot in the last season. Pandya had earlier led the Gujarat Titans to their maiden IPL title in the 2022 season.

Harbhajan also believes that the South African pair of Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock won't start in the playing XI together for MI in the upcoming season.

"I don't think the MI team management will make both Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton start in the playing XI together. Only one of these two guys will feature in the starting line-up, and making both of them play will be difficult because MI also have Rohit Sharma at the top. He will be the main opener with either Ryan Rickelton or Quinton de Kock giving him company at the other end," said the legendary Indian spinner.

"Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma will come in at three and four. So I don't think we will see Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton playing together at the same time," Singh concluded.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
I respectfully disagree with Harbhajan Singh on one point. The team's performance isn't just on Hardik. Yes, he must lead from the front, but the entire team, including the think tank, needs to step up. Last season's middle-order collapse was a bigger issue than just captaincy.
R
Rohit P
As a die-hard MI fan, this trophy drought is painful! We have the squad on paper. Hardik needs to find his 2022 GT form. His bowling in the powerplay could be a game-changer. Also, good point about the openers - Rohit and QdK would be my pick, Rickelton can be a solid backup.
S
Sarah B
Interesting analysis. From an outside perspective, the pressure on Pandya seems immense. Replacing a beloved and successful captain like Sharma is never easy. His all-round performance will be crucial, but the team's belief, as Singh mentioned, is the real key.
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Vikram M
Fully agree with Bhajji! Hardik has the X-factor. When he fires, the whole team's energy changes. Hope he stays fit for the entire season. The opening combo is a good headache to have. #OneFamily
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Kavya N
The problem is consistency. One great innings, then silence for three matches. As captain, he needs to be the pillar. Also, the management needs to back him fully and settle the playing XI quickly. Too much chopping and changing last year.

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