Hardik's MI struggles at former home

Mumbai Indians are struggling significantly in IPL 2026, finding themselves at the bottom of the league table after a dismal start. With only one win in their last five matches, the team has shown vulnerabilities across all departments, from a patchy top order to an unreliable middle order and struggling bowlers. This poor performance has led to criticism of captain Hardik Pandya's leadership.

In contrast, Gujarat Titans are enjoying a strong run of form, having secured three consecutive victories. They also hold an impressive 100% win record against MI at their home ground. Despite GT's current dominance, their coaching staff acknowledges MI's capacity for comebacks, a characteristic they've witnessed firsthand in previous seasons. The team is focused on executing their own game plan rather than solely relying on opponent form.

Gujarat Titans' success has partly relied on key performers like Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill, with their bowling attack aiming to restrict opposition scores. However, the team is wary of MI's potent batting lineup. Mumbai Indians have been plagued by injury issues, leading them to utilize a large number of players throughout the season, second only to Chennai Super Kings in squad depth.