Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya to bring his A-game in Indian Premier League 2026. Singh reckons if Pandya can deliver with both bat and ball, then it will make a huge difference for the five-time champions.

The Indian all-rounder picked nine wickets in as many matches of the T20I showpiece and bowled with an economy rate of 8.81. Furthermore, he scored 217 runs in nine matches of the tournament at an average of 27.12 and a strike rate of 160.74.

“I think Hardik Pandya needs to unleash his real Hardik Pandya version. He needs to bring his A game to the table. Once he starts playing his A game, not just as a batter but as a bowler as well, it will make a huge difference,” Harbhajan told JioHotstar’s ‘Game Plan’.

The Turbanator said Pandya was brilliant with the ball in the recently concluded T20 World Cup.

“We saw him bowl in the T20 World Cup. He was brilliant with the ball. That is what he needs to do in the IPL as well,” he added.

The former Punjab spinner reckons it will be imperative for Pandya to lead Mumbai Indians from the front.

“When a captain leads from the front and shows the way, everyone follows. It will come down to belief. If Hardik and his men believe from day one that they are not just there to compete, but to lift the trophy for the sixth time, things could change very quickly for MI,” he said.

Pandya will look to be at his best for MI in the upcoming season and there is no doubt that he is going to hold the key. 

Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium on 29th March.