Hardik Pandya removed as Mumbai Indians captain, but Rishabh Pant retained by Virender Sehwag
The Aftermath of IPL 2026
The conclusion of the IPL 2026 group stage has left several franchises at a crossroads. As the tournament shifts focus toward the playoffs, the teams that failed to make the cut are already looking toward the future. The pressure to perform has never been higher, and for many, the primary point of contention is the leadership structure. In a recent analysis conducted on Cricbuzz, former Indian batting legend Virender Sehwag provided his candid insights into which captains deserve another chance and which ones should be relieved of their duties.
The Hardik Pandya Dilemma
Perhaps the most discussed take from the legendary opener was his stance on the Mumbai Indians. The franchise has endured a difficult campaign, failing to meet the lofty expectations often associated with their brand. Sehwag did not mince words, suggesting that the team needs a structural change at the top. The sentiment that Hardik Pandya removed as Mumbai Indians captain, but Rishabh Pant retained by Virender Sehwag encapsulates the contrasting fortunes and internal evaluations of different franchises this season.
Rishabh Pant and the Lucknow Super Giants
Despite a season that saw the Lucknow Super Giants finish at the bottom of the table with only four victories, Sehwag remains a proponent of stability. Rishabh Pant, who led the side through a turbulent year, scored 312 runs in 14 matches at an average of 28.36. While critics have pointed to the team’s lack of momentum and results, Sehwag’s verdict was brief but clear: “50-50 hai but keep.” He believes the foundation is there, even if the results did not reflect it this time around.
The Changing of the Guard
Sehwag’s assessment was not limited to just Mumbai and Lucknow. He provided a comprehensive review of all ten teams, rewarding those who succeeded and questioning those who faltered. His support for successful leaders was evident:
- Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad): Backed to continue after a stellar top-three finish.
- Rajat Patidar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru): Fully supported after leading RCB to the top of the points table with nine wins.
- Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans): Endorsed after a strong second-place finish in the standings.
- Shreyas Iyer (Punjab Kings): Despite failing to make the playoffs, his leadership during their unbeaten seven-match streak earned him Sehwag’s backing.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings): Supported as a long-term prospect, despite the team finishing eighth.
- Axar Patel (Delhi Capitals): Backed to continue after narrowly missing out on a playoff berth.
Controversial Calls and Tactical Shifts
While Sehwag offered grace to many, he was also firm in his critiques of other leadership roles. Beyond his call for a change in Mumbai, he suggested that Kolkata Knight Riders should look for a new captain to replace Ajinkya Rahane. Perhaps most surprisingly, Sehwag suggested that the Rajasthan Royals might benefit from a change, advising the removal of Riyan Parag from the captaincy, even though the franchise successfully qualified for the playoffs this season.
The IPL 2026 season has been a masterclass in the volatility of professional sports. As franchises enter the off-season, the conversation surrounding leadership will likely dominate headlines. Whether these organizations choose to follow the advice of experts like Sehwag or stick to their internal plans remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the era of constant captaincy scrutiny is far from over in the Indian Premier League.
As fans look ahead to the next cycle, the specific debate regarding who stays and who goes will continue to be a hot topic on social media and expert panels alike. With the dust settling on the group stages, the focus now turns to the playoffs, while the eliminated teams prepare for a critical period of rebuilding and reflection.
