Former South African skipper Shaun Pollock has picked Deepak Chahar, Shardul Thakur, and Trent Boult as the three players who have let down Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL 2026. The trio hasn’t been able to deliver the goods with the ball, compounding MI’s woes.

Deepak Chahar and Trent Boult have taken one wicket apiece in three matches they have played. While Chahar has bowled with an average of 87 and an economy rate of 13.38, Boult has bowled with an average of 110 and an economy rate of 12.22. 

Shardul Thakur has scalped six wickets in as many games, but he has bowled at an average of 31.57 and an economy rate of 13.57.

Shaun Pollock said on Cricbuzz, “They’ve been let down by their three key bowling options – Boult, Thakur, and Chahar. They would have considered them bankers pre-season. The 11 they are playing now is very far from the one they would have picked right after the auction. That’s probably been the biggest surprise.”

“It feels like they have too many options. And it’s been the case the last four or five years. If they make the playoffs, they can kick into gear with all the international and playoff experience. But for that to happen, they have to win this match first. The complication comes in for them because of the strength they have. It’s why Rickleton hasn’t played after De Kock scored that hundred.”

MI’s bowling hasn’t been able to tick the right boxes, and even the great Jasprit Bumrah has managed only two wickets in seven games. Thus, the five-time champions need to turn a corner in the upcoming matches.

MI will host SRH at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Wednesday.