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'How Is This Possible?' Ashwin 'Shocked' by MI's Downfall; Will 5-Time Champs Enter Playoffs?
MENSXP | April 30, 2026 5:41 PM CST

MI’s IPL 2026 has been one to forget so far. The five-time champions look only a shadow of what they once were. The loss vs SRH was their 6th in eight matches this season. They set a target of 244 but failed to defend it. The 19th edition has not been one to remember for the joint record holders for the most titles won.

Ravichandran Ashwin Cannot Believe It

One man who admits to being in ‘shock’ as a result of MI’s downfall is spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin. The man who won the IPL twice with CSK said he ‘felt sorry’ for the way MI played and that his ‘mind cannot process’ this horror show. He confessed that they were his favourites before IPL 2026 began. He does not believe that MI can win six out of the next six outings which is what they need to do to stay afloat as even one loss could end things.

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Two-Time IPL Winner in ‘Shock’

"I'm shocked by how Mumbai played this season. My mind isn't processing how this is even possible. But honestly, watching Mumbai Indians, I actually feel sorry for them. They were my favourite team before the tournament, but I've had this feeling many times that it's their game. Mumbai Indians will come back. It did not happen," he said on his YouTube channel.

Spin Legend Not Backing MI to Win Six Out of Six

"I don't think so. I will tell you why. They gave away 220 against KKR. No other team gave away that many runs against KKR. Against no other team has KKR been able to score so much. They are also not able to chase big scores like 230-240. They could not chase 208 against CSK. If there is a change in the wicket, their batting order struggles. If the wicket is flat, their bowling struggles," he added.

MI Right on the Edge

MI’s situation is such that they may have to depend on other results as well. Even winning six out of six may not be enough for the five-time champions. They have only themselves to blame for being in this situation. Rohit Sharma’s absence, Hardik Pandya’s poor captaincy and the bad form of Suryakumar Yadav along with Jasprit Bumrah have all been important factors.

What Next for MI?

The next encounter for MI is vs CSK on May 2. The wins need to come and come consistently if they want to finish at least fourth and have a shot at a record 6th title. MI lifted the trophy in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. Will it be the same in 2026? Not impssible but does look improbable at the moment.

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