Mumbai Indians secured a convincing 99-run victory over Gujarat Titans in the 2026 Indian Premier League on Monday, marking a return to success after sidelining bowlers Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur. The team introduced Ashwani Kumar and Krish Bhagat into the lineup instead. Kumar claimed four wickets for 24 runs in the Ahmedabad encounter, while Bhagat conceded just 10 runs across two overs. Former Indian cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth, reacting to the win, advised Chahar and Thakur to remain on the sidelines. Known for his candid views, Srikkanth had previously suggested the Mumbai Indians management pay the pair and release them. The 1983 World Cup champion expressed relief at their exclusion in a YouTube video, stating the team should instruct them to stay in the dugout and not return. Mumbai Indians adjusted their tactics, deploying Jasprit Bumrah early in the innings, where he dismissed Sai Sudharsan on the first delivery. Srikkanth praised the bowlers’ precision, comparing it to Test cricket standards and noting the strong performances from emerging players. Despite the win, Mumbai Indians remain in seventh place with only two victories from six games, leaving room for improvement under captain Hardik Pandya to reach the playoffs.
