Hardik Pandya 'immensely hurt' by seniors who demanded 100% commitment for India but did not return favour at MI: Report

Hardik Pandya is likely to leave Mumbai Indians (MI) and the biggest reason behind it is reportedly the lack of commitment from senior India players who played for the franchise. According to a report in PTI, the all-rounder had already formed top MI management that he will not be able to stay at the franchise after the completing of the ongoing season.

MI finished ninth in IPL 2026 despite boasting one of the strongest units on paper. Last year, the franchise had made the playoffs but before that the team had finished at the bottom in 2024 which was Hardik's first year as captain at MI.

Hardik was brought back to franchise ahead of the 2024 season, two years after he left MI. In the two years as the the Gujarat Titans captain, he won the tournament in his first year and finished runner-up in the second. However, the lack of success at MI has led to him thinking of once again leaving the franchise.

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Hardik hurt by senior India players

According to the PTI report, when Hardik returned in 2024, the environment in the dressing room had changed and not all senior players were on the same page.

"There is only so much that a young man can take. The last three years haven't been easy for him. The MI dressing room that he had left in 2021 wasn't the same when he returned in 2024. Not every senior player was on the same page.

"If results come despite divergent views, you still won't feel frustrated. But when everyone pulls in different directions, after a point you don't have the mental bandwidth to carry on. So, Hardik had decided mid-season that he wouldn't be part of MI next season," a source told PTI.

The report also mentions that some senior players who demanded 100% commitment from Hardik in India jersey were not ready to return the favour for the all-rounder at MI.

"Hardik was mentally stressed and completely exhausted. He had also sustained a back injury. In fact, once the play-off hopes were dashed, Hardik informed the decision-makers that he wouldn't be staying back," an IPL source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

"Please understand that Hardik is only 32. He returned to MI in 2024 when he was 30. He was booed in the first year and this season too things didn't go according to plan. One thing is for sure. He is done with MI. Closer to August, one might get some indication about what his next move will be."

It remains to be seen whether Hardik opts for a trade or goes back into the auction pool ahead of the next season.