Currently, things are not looking good for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the ongoing IPL 2026. Their batting is becoming a big concern for them in every match. In reality, MI’s 18-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has once again exposed the weak middle-order.

And Tilak Varma is now under intense scrutiny, with questions now being raised whether the current batting order is working or not for the five-time IPL champions.

Tilak Varma under fire as Mumbai Indians slip to 8th place after third straight defeat in IPL 2026

Pressure is clearly mounting within the Mumbai Indians camp as they slipped to the eighth position in the IPL 2026 points table with their third consecutive defeat in the tournament.

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All eyes were on Tilak Varma in MI’s big clash against RCB but the young batsman once again let his team down by managing just 1 run off 3 balls at the Wankhede Stadium. Tilak has failed to make any real impact for the team as he has only amassed 35 runs in four matches so far.

On the other hand, Rajat Patidar showed exactly what Mumbai Indians are missing right now. The RCB captain played a brave knock, smashing 53 runs in just 20 balls and taking the match away from Mumbai.

Tilak Varma can’t destroy bowling like Rajat Patidar: Kris Srikkanth

After the big match at the Wankhede Stadium, former Indian chief selector Kris Srikkanth has now openly pointed out the rift between Tilak and Rajat. He pointed out that Tilak is not capable of dominating players or taking control of the match like players like Patidar.

Kris Srikkanth said in a video posted on his YouTube channel: “He is not fit and doesn’t have great batting ability. He is not a ripping batsman. He can play shots but he can’t demolish attacks like Phil Salt or Rajat Patidar. Tilak Varma can’t smash the bowling like Rajat Patidar.”

It showed Mumbai Indians the reality that Tilak is not currently delivering the match-winning performances they need, and his struggles have been visible since the last few IPL seasons.

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The former World Cup winner added: “MI hasn’t done well in the last two or three IPLs. He can’t take the opposition out of a contest. In his position, he has to play impactful knocks like Patidar. You don’t want consistency here. I’m not asking you to score 7 out of 10 games. You score in 4 out of 10 games and win the match without any help for your team. That’s all you need.”

Srikkanth suggests demoting Tilak Varma in the order

Given the Indian batsman’s struggles, Srikkanth feels that Mumbai Indians should think about changing their batting position in the tournament. He believes Tilak should move down the batting order where there is less pressure and he can play freely to make an impact on the franchise.

He signed off saying, “I don’t think MI will do this, but Tilak Varma should be demoted in the order. He should be ranked 6th or 7th. Tilak Varma is brilliant only when you have to chase 160 or 170. But chasing 200 or 220, Tilak Varma doesn’t stand a chance.”