'Mayank Markande has played his last game': MI told to make ruthless decision amid IPL 2026

Mumbai Indians (MI) are currently going through a tough phase in the ongoing IPL 2026, and now their bowling is becoming a big headache. The 18-run loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their home game has clearly exposed the Mumbai Indians’ weak areas.

The five-time IPL champions have put up a strong fight with the bat, but the damage had already been done by the bowlers, as they conceded 240 runs to RCB in their IPL 2026 game at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Still, they managed to get 222/5 in their 20 overs.

MI's bowling failure exposed after RCB loss

Their poor bowling is now becoming a major concern for the franchise this season, and now they have to make some tough calls to bring their campaign back on track, as they have won only one game out of their four outings so far in the tournament.

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After the match, former Indian batter Aakash Chopra questioned the Mumbai Indians’ bowling strategy. He also felt Maynak Markande’s place in the playing XI is now under serious threat. Actually, Markande had a tough outing, conceding 40 runs in just 2 overs and not being able to take a wicket.

Aakash Chopra questions the Mumbai Indians' strategy

The cricket pundit also pointed out that even top bowlers are struggling, as Jasprit Bumrah has been economical but is not picking wickets, while Trent Boult has been expensive with the new ball. Because of their poor show, batting is not enough, and they lost three games in a row.

Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, "Mumbai's bowling is looking absolutely pedestrian. It's been four matches, and Jasprit Bumrah hasn't taken a single wicket thus far. Of course, his economy is still in single digits, and he is the only bowler to have an economy in single digits, but he didn't get a wicket even now. Teams have started playing him carefully because everyone else is getting hit for 12 to 15 runs per over.”

Chopra targets MI's weak bowling unit in IPL 2026

With the bowling unit looking "pedestrian," Chopra believes MI might need to make a bold call and bring in a new option like Raghu Sharma for the upcoming matches, as they are currently sitting in the eighth spot in the IPL 2026 points table. He feels Markande has already played his last game for MI.

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Chopra added, “Trent Boult ended well, but he is getting hit with the new ball. Hardik Pandya actually bowled well in this match. Mayank Markande, I think he has played his last game for this month. They might think about him next month. Play Raghu Sharma. If you look at Shardul Thakur, he picks up wickets for sure but doesn't concede fewer than 10 to 12 runs in an over.”

Chopra blames poor bowling for Mumbai Indians' struggles

The commentator also highlighted Suryakumar Yadav's and Tilak Varma’s struggles so far in the tournament. At the end, Chopra feels for the MI batters, saying if the bowlers conceded 240 runs, then it becomes almost impossible to win, and it might happen only a few times.

The former KKR batter also praised Sherfane Rutherford, Hardik Pandya, and Ryan Rickelton for that late hitting but blamed the bowling for their struggles in the ongoing IPL 2026.