Aakash Chopra questions MI’s bowling after IPL 2026 loss vs RCB

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra said Mumbai Indians’ bowling looked pedestrian after the five-time champions suffered an 18-run loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Sunday. 

MI conceded an above-par score of 240 runs on the board as their bowlers failed to deliver the goods. Mayank Markande conceded 40 runs in the two overs he bowled and he was taken for three consecutive sixes by RCB batter Rajat Patidar in his second over.

Furthermore, Mitchell Santner returned with figures of 1-43 in his four overs whereas Bumrah went wicketless and conceded 35 runs in his four overs.

“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 said on his YouTube Channel.

“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,” he added.

The renowned commentator highlighted that the probability of chasing 241 is always minuscule.

“When you concede 240 runs, you won’t be able to chase that total 95 to 97 times out of 100. That’s the story. You tried to hit in batting for sure, but that was never going to be enough, whether it was Sherfane Rutherford – too little, too late, Hardik Pandya – not long enough, or Ryan Rickelton – again not long enough,” he said.

The former KKR batter questioned SKY and Tilak Varma’s form after MI’s loss.

“Suryakumar Yadav – not good enough, and Tilak Varma – definitely not good enough. In fact, he is having such a season that questions will start getting raised that Tilak Varma is not really pulling his weight in the side. So, Mumbai, lots of issues,” Chopra observed.

Mumbai Indians will next take on Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Thursday.