New Delhi, March 17: Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has urged Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya to replicate his outstanding performance from the T20 World Cup 2026 in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Harbhajan emphasized that if Hardik can deliver a strong performance, it could end the Mumbai Indians’ long wait for a trophy.
The Mumbai Indians will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign on March 29 against three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders. Last season, Mumbai reached the second qualifier but faced defeat against Punjab Kings.
Speaking to ‘JioStar’, Harbhajan stated, “I believe Hardik Pandya needs to show his true form. He must play his best game. When Hardik is at his best in both batting and bowling, it makes a significant difference. We saw him bowl brilliantly in the T20 World Cup. He needs to replicate that in the IPL. When a captain steps up and leads, everyone follows. If Hardik and his team believe from day one that they are here not just to compete but to lift the trophy for the sixth time, things can change rapidly for Mumbai Indians.”
Harbhajan also shared his thoughts on the dilemma regarding the selection of Mumbai Indians’ top batting order. He noted that it would be challenging for the team management to include both South African wicketkeeper-batsmen—Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock—in the playing eleven, especially with explosive opener Rohit Sharma in the lineup. According to Harbhajan, Rohit Sharma will be the main opener, supported by either Ryan Rickelton or Quinton de Kock. He suggested that Suryakumar Yadav could bat at number three, with Tilak Varma at four.
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