Akash Ambani oversees the MI franchise. (Photo: ILT20)

Video: Akash Ambani walks out of Wankhede Stadium midway through MI's loss to CSK

Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani walked out of the Wankhede Stadium midway through MI's heavy defeat to Chennai Super Kings, a moment that reflected the growing frustration within the camp during IPL 2026.

24 Apr 2026, 07:38 by India Today Sports Desk · India Today

In Short

Mumbai Indians face playoff risk after a heavy loss to CSK at Wankhede
Captain Hardik Pandya's leadership under scrutiny amid poor form
Coach Jayawardene cites lack of rhythm and consistency, not fatigue

Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani walked out of the Wankhede Stadium midway through MI's heavy defeat to Chennai Super Kings, a moment that captured the growing unease within the camp during IPL 2026.

Mumbai Indians are in jeopardy. After the loss to CSK at home, their chances of reaching the playoffs have taken a significant hit. With five defeats and only two wins so far, MI are languishing in eighth place on the points table. Unless they can put together a consistent run of victories, their wait for a sixth IPL title looks set to continue.

The season has been marked by inconsistency. The big names have not delivered collectively, and while there have been isolated performances, MI have struggled to function as a cohesive unit. The pattern has been familiar over the past few seasons, particularly following the leadership transition from Rohit Sharma to Hardik Pandya. With results continuing to falter, scrutiny around Pandya's captaincy has only intensified.

MI vs CSK: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD

Thursday's defeat summed up their campaign. Chasing 208, a competitive total on the Wankhede surface, MI collapsed for 104 to suffer a 103-run loss, their biggest defeat in terms of runs. Even before the match concluded, Akash Ambani left the dugout and was seen gesturing towards sections of the crowd, seemingly asking fans to leave. The visuals quickly went viral, sparking discussion around MI's downward spiral and the visible frustration within the franchise.

Head coach Mahela Jayawardene, however, dismissed suggestions of fatigue among players returning from international commitments, instead pointing to a lack of rhythm and consistency.

"In modern-day cricket, everyone is a professional. A lot of the guys who played the World Cup have come back after a break to play the IPL," Jayawardene said after the match.

"I don't think even the players would put it down to that. It's about us getting the rhythm, getting that consistency. Overall consistency is something we are lacking. Yes, bowling needs improvement, but batting hasn't been consistent either."

Hardik Pandya has scored 97 runs and taken three wickets in six matches, while Suryakumar Yadav has managed 156 runs in seven games. Jasprit Bumrah has picked up just two wickets, and Tilak Varma, with 181 runs, has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise underwhelming campaign.

"We just need to find that space where we can compete. If we play our best cricket, we have a great chance. But the confidence, the focus, the discipline have to be there for the next seven games," Jayawardene added.

For Mumbai Indians, time is running out. On a night when their campaign hit another low, the image of their owner walking out midway through the game summed up the mood around the team.

- Ends