Former Team India captain K Srikkanth has made some bold comments about Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder Shardul Thakur ahead of their high-stakes IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday, April 12. Thakur had a strong start to the season with a Player of the Match performance in MI’s opening win over Kolkata Knight Riders, taking 3/39. However, his form has dipped in the following two matches, where he managed just one wicket and conceded over 15 runs per over.
In a recent YouTube video, Srikkanth expressed his concerns about Thakur’s current state and how RCB batters might exploit him:
“Shardul Thakur’s season quota was finished in just the first match with a Player of the Match performance. The RCB batters will take him all over Marine Drive and Church Gate. They can’t play both Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar together. If they do, those eight overs will likely concede at least 96 runs.”
Srikkanth also criticized Trent Boult, who has been a major disappointment for MI this season. He said:
“Trent Boult has been a major disappointment for them. If they play him alongside Bumrah, they’ll have no choice but to open with these two. Boult must bowl the first over. Deepak Chahar doesn’t deserve a spot in the XI. Ashwani Kumar is a solid player who even won a Player of the Match award last year. He should replace Chahar, who is finished. He’s playing like someone in desperate need of a mechanic’s fix.”
Boult has yet to take a wicket in two games this season, with an economy rate of 12 runs per over. Deepak Chahar hasn’t been impressive either, picking up only one wicket at an average of 42 and an economy rate of 10.50.
Srikkanth also advised that RCB should make changes to their playing XI, suggesting they drop Phil Salt and Abhinandan Singh. He recommended bringing in Jacob Bethell and Suyash Sharma instead. Salt has struggled with the bat, averaging only 18 in three matches, while Abhinandan Singh has been inconsistent with the ball.
“They need to drop Abhinandan Singh. MI will surely target him. Suyash Sharma should replace him. Jacob Bethell must play instead of Phil Salt. It was in Mumbai where he scored his century against India. Salt should be given a rest,” he explained.
“Let Padikkal open the batting with Bethell at number 3. England made a mistake waiting for Salt’s one big innings in the T20 World Cup. He’s not in good form lately.”
RCB started the IPL 2026 season with two victories but suffered a defeat in their previous match against Rajasthan Royals (RR). With the upcoming clash against MI being crucial, Srikkanth’s insights could prove valuable for RCB as they look to adjust their strategy and regain momentum.
