IPL 2026: Toothless bowling attack compounds Mumbai Indians’ problems

It may still be early in the season, but Mumbai Indians has already drifted into troubled waters, managing just one win from its first five matches in IPL 2026.

The concern is no longer simmering, it’s out in the open. Following a seven-wicket loss to Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, captain Hardik Pandya admitted that the team may need to take “difficult calls” if needed.

Even head coach Mahela Jayawardene, typically measured in his assessments, conceded that the side is still searching for the elusive “spark”. He pointed to the bowling unit as a key area of concern, but was quick to stress that the responsibility does not lie with the captain alone.