IPL 2026: 'That's missing' - Zaheer Khan dissects MI's woes after loss to RCB

Zaheer Khan opined that Mumbai Indians (MI) are struggling in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) because the likes of Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Ryan Rickelton have not been able to convert their starts into substantial scores.

The legendary former India pacer shared this assessment after Mumbai Indians lost the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 12, by 18 runs. This turned out to be Mumbai's third defeat in four games.

"I think, players getting starts but not converting (them) into a big one. If you have to be critical, I think this team will be talking about those kind of aspects of the game, wherein they have that kind of quality and ability. If one of them gets a 60 or a 70, then, suddenly, the game unfolds differently. You can rally around that guy whoever is having a good day. And that is something which is missing in this MI lineup. They are used to seeing those kind of batting performances," Zaheer told Cricbuzz.

"Be it Surya, be it Tilak, be it Rohit, or Rickelton for that matter. One of them needs to get a good, big fifty to really hold that one end for them to set that platform. That's how their role (is). Set the platform for the back end and the strike rate takes care of itself when bowlers are under pressure," he added.

The Royal Challengers posted a daunting 240/4 in their first innings on the back of half-centuries from Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, and Rajat Patidar. In reply, Mumbai Indians were restricted to 222/5, as Sherfane Rutherford's breathtaking 71 not out off 31 balls went in vain. The 18-run win helped RCB consolidate their position in the top four.

Zaheer discusses replacements for Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma had to leave the field after facing just 13 balls on Sunday, April 12, as he was struggling with a hamstring issue. Zaheer opined that Mumbai Indians could look to open with either Naman Dhir or Suryakumar Yadav if Rohit has to miss a match or two.

"They have a few options there. There is Naman Dhir who can open also, if Rohit is not available because of injury. I cannot think of any other guy who can take that opening slot other than Surya. Or maybe, go in the direction of Quinton de Kock, which is going to again, change the balance of the team," Zaheer stated.