Mumbai Indians (MI) are currently going through a difficult phase in the ongoing IPL 2026, and now bowling is becoming a big headache. The 18-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their home match has clearly exposed the weak areas of Mumbai Indians.
The five-time IPL champions have put up a strong fight with the bat, but the damage had already been done by the players as they conceded 240 runs to RCB in their IPL 2026 game at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Still, they managed to score 222/5 in their 20 overs.
MI’s bowling failure exposed after RCB loss
Their poor bowling is becoming a major concern for the franchise this season, and they now have to make some tough decisions to get their campaign back on track as they have only won one game of their four outings so far in the tournament.
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After the match, former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra questioned Mumbai Indians’ bowling strategy. He also considered that Maynak Markande’s place in the eleven is now seriously threatened. In reality, Markande had a difficult outing, conceding 40 runs in just 2 overs and failing to take a wicket.
Aakash Chopra questions Mumbai Indians’ strategy
The cricket expert also pointed out that even the best bowlers are struggling as Jasprit Bumrah has been economical but doesn’t pick wickets, while Trent Boult has been expensive with the new ball. Due to their poor performance, the batting was not enough and they lost three games in a row.
Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel: “Mumbai’s bowling looks absolutely vulgar. It’s been four matches and Jasprit Bumrah hasn’t taken a single wicket so far. Of course, his economy is still in single digits, and he is the only player who has single-digit economy, but even now he didn’t get a wicket. Teams have started playing him carefully because everyone else is getting hit by 12 to 15 runs an over.”
Chopra targets MI’s weak bowling unit in IPL 2026
With the bowling unit looking ‘pedestrian’, Chopra feels that MI might need to take a bold decision and bring in a new option like Raghu Sharma for the upcoming matches as they are currently 8th in the points table of IPL 2026. He feels that Markande has already played his last match for MI.
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Chopra added: “Trent Boult finished well, but he is getting hit with the new ball. Hardik Pandya really bowled well in this match. Mayank Markande, I think he played his last game this month. Maybe they will think about him next month. Play Raghu Sharma. If you look at Shardul Thakur, he sure picks up wickets, but he doesn’t concede less than 10-12 runs in an over.”
Chopra blames poor bowling for Mumbai Indians’ struggles
The commentator also highlighted the struggles of Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma so far in the tournament. In the end, Chopra feels sorry for the MI batsmen and says that if the players conceded 240 runs, then it will be almost impossible to win, and it might happen only a few times.
The former KKR batsman also praised Sherfane Rutherford, Hardik Pandya and Ryan Rickelton for that late knock but blamed their bowling for their struggles in the ongoing IPL 2026.