Unleash the real Hardik Pandya: Harbhajan Singh on what MI needs to win IPL 2026
India Today
IPL 2026: Harbhajan Singh believes that the Mumbai Indians need to find a way to bring out the best in Hardik Pandya should they stand a chance of getting back to winning titles.
Mumbai Indians have not lifted the IPL trophy since 2020. Six years on, the joint-most successful franchise in the tournament's history finds itself still searching for a way back to the top.
Harbhajan Singh, an IPL legend who spent a decade at the club and is now a JioStar expert, believes the key to unlocking MI's potential lies with one man: Hardik Pandya.
"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 former India spinner pointed to Pandya's bowling as a particularly crucial factor, referencing his outstanding displays with the ball at the T20 World Cup as evidence of what he is capable of.
"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.
Harbhajan also stressed the importance of Pandya's influence as a leader, arguing that a captain who leads from the front can transform the belief of an entire dressing room.
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