Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has said that Suryakumar Yadav should be the captain of Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of IPL 2026. He called it “concerning” that the franchise has not yet made the change.
What Ashwin Said
Ashwin made his views clear on his YouTube show, Ash Ki Baat.
“Suryakumar Yadav being the captain of the Mumbai Indians is a no-brainer. He should definitely be the captain. And the fact that it isn’t happening is a bit of a concern,” Ashwin said.
He pointed out that Suryakumar has been India’s T20I captain since July 2024. Under his leadership, India won the T20 World Cup 2026. Ashwin said this record makes the case for him even stronger.
Hardik’s Captaincy Record
Ashwin also spoke about Hardik Pandya’s record as captain.
Hardik led Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in his first season. The team finished as runners-up the following year. He then moved to Mumbai Indians and took over the captaincy from Rohit Sharma before IPL 2024.
His first season with MI was difficult. The team finished 10th on the points table. In 2025, MI reached the playoffs but lost to Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2.
Ashwin noted that Hardik’s first year was largely overshadowed by the controversy around replacing Rohit Sharma. He also now leads a squad that includes both Rohit and Suryakumar, both of whom have captained India to T20 World Cup titles.
“It is a very challenging situation. A lot of things could be going through his mind,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin Backs Hardik To Do Well
Despite his reservations, Ashwin backed Hardik to perform if given support.
“Leaving external issues aside, without any pressure and with the support of the players and management, I still think Hardik can do a fine job. He needs to use this squad in the right way,” Ashwin said.
Srikkanth Also Weighs In
Former India chief selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth echoed a similar view on his own YouTube channel.
“It is a funny situation. Hardik Pandya is a good captain. But they have two T20 World Cup-winning captains playing under him now,” Srikkanth said.
He suggested Hardik should voluntarily step aside. “If Hardik himself says this to the management, things will get resolved. He should say, let Surya lead and I will support,” Srikkanth added.
Mumbai Indians begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday, March 29. Hardik Pandya will lead the side into the tournament.
