Ambati Rayudu Criticizes Hardik Pandya’s Approach Amid IPL 2026 Struggles

Rayudu Calls Out Hardik Pandya: ‘Be Smart, Not Arrogant’ in IPL 2026 Slump

Former India and Chennai Super Kings batter Ambati Rayudu has delivered a pointed message to Hardik Pandya, urging the Mumbai Indians captain to shed arrogance and adopt smarter strategies during his ongoing form crisis in IPL 2026.

With Mumbai Indians languishing at ninth place in the standings after just two wins in nine matches, Pandya’s leadership and personal performances have come under intense scrutiny. In eight matches this season, the all-rounder has managed only 146 runs at an average of 21 and a strike rate of 136, with a highest score of just 40.

Batting Woes and Bowling Struggles

Pandya’s struggles were on full display during MI’s loss to Chennai Super Kings on May 2, where he cobbled together 18 runs off 23 balls. The team could only post 159/7 — a total that CSK chased down comfortably, further compounding MI’s challenges.

With the ball, the situation isn’t any better. Pandya has picked up just four wickets at a costly average of 61.5 and an economy rate nearing 12 runs per over — statistics that highlight the growing pressure on the captain.

Rayudu’s Tactical Advice

In a candid interview with ESPNCricinfo, Rayudu didn’t hold back. While empathetic about form slumps, he emphasized the need for self-awareness and adaptability.

“It happens to most batters at some point in their careers for sure. The only thing is you need to have a way out and also realize and accept that I am not in form. You need to maybe rotate strike a little more, get off strike, choose and pick your moments and bowlers and be smart about it rather than be arrogant about it,”

Rayudu spotlighted a technical flaw he believes is holding Pandya back — particularly in the death overs. He noted that middle-to-lower-order batters often struggle when the ball moves away from them.

“A lot of these middle to lower order batters drag the ball mostly onto the on side. And when you are not used to the ball moving away from you, especially during the last 6-7 overs, you are not set up to hit over point or use the pace on the off side. That is what he should have done. He should have just taken a little bit of room and maybe tried to hit the bowler over point or third-man,”

Team-Wide Form Crisis

Pandya’s slump is mirrored across the MI camp. The team has failed to build a settled lineup, with most key players underperforming. A four-match losing streak earlier in the season and a current three-match slide have left their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.

With only nine matches played and poor results piling up, questions are mounting over Pandya’s captaincy. Can he turn things around? Or is a leadership rethink needed?

Next Challenge: Clash Against LSG

Mumbai Indians’ next test comes against tenth-placed Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium — a home advantage they must capitalize on. A win could reignite their campaign, but another loss might deepen the crisis.

As fans grow restless and former stars like Rayudu voice their concerns, the pressure on Pandya is mounting. Adaptation won’t come through brute force — but through the kind of smart, self-aware cricket Rayudu is advocating.

Whether Pandya listens — and acts — could define not only MI’s IPL 2026 but also his own legacy as a leader.