IPL 2026: Setback for MI as star all-rounder cops nasty injury, set to be ruled out of THIS tournament

The MI all-rounder is now set for MRI scans following injury which he faced while playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26.

The Mumbai camp faced a massive blow this evening as the news has emerged regarding a potential injury setback for their skipper, Shardul Thakur amid the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26. As per the reports in RevSportz, it is learned that the seam-bowling all-rounder will undergo MRI scans after the injury, which makes it uncertain if he can keep playing in the ongoing tournament.

This development comes immediately after Mumbai’s Group C clash against Maharashtra at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The exact nature of the niggle remains unconfirmed. However, sources suggest that the all-rounder faced some discomfort that requires immediate medical assessment. So, Thakur might miss the rest of the tournament.

Losing their captain right now would strike a severe blow to Mumbai’s campaign. This is especially true with the knockout stages starting on January 12. Management eagerly awaits the scan results before making any official announcement. They will be hoping that this scan proves purely precautionary rather than a confirmation of a season-ending tear or strain.

Mumbai’s Title hopes hang in balance amid Shardul Thakur stellar form

Thakur’s potential exit threatens to derail Mumbai’s momentum entirely. He has led from the front throughout this 2025-26 campaign. He has delivered match-winning performances that placed Mumbai firmly at top in Group C. Just days ago, on December 29, the Lord of Palghar decimated Chhattisgarh with a ferocious spell. He claimed impressive figures of 4 for 13.

His ability to break partnerships and contribute vital runs down the order provides Mumbai with great balance. Few other domestic sides possess such a versatile player. Additionally, the 34-year-old’s aggressive captaincy has energised the squad. They secured three consecutive wins leading up to today’s fixture.

Without him, Shams Mulani and the batting unit will have to carry the load. They must work harder to maintain their dominance. If the scans confirm a serious injury, Mumbai will lose more than just a primary strike bowler.

They will lose their tactical leader. It is often impossible to fill a gap like that mid-tournament. The team must now brace for a difficult transition. Other senior players must step up instantly should the medical team rule out their talisman from the championship race.

Shardul Thakur’s injury a setback for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026

Shardul’s VHT setback today fractures Mumbai Indians’ strategy. Management must identify replacements quickly; though he might recover, the squad loses vital all-rounder balance immediately.

Mumbai Indians bypassed the auction hammer completely to secure Shardul Thakur. The franchise executed an all-cash trade with Lucknow Super Giants in November 2025, paying ₹2 crore to finalise the transfer.

Management seized the opportunity during the pre-season trading window, bringing the Palghar-based all-rounder to his home team well before the 2026 campaign began. 

This setback is also bad news for Thakur’s aspirations of donning the India jersey again. He last featured for the national side in a Test match against England on July 23, 2025. Since then, he has found himself on the fringes. Younger all-rounders like Nitish Kumar Reddy are seizing their opportunities. As a result, the door for a 34-year-old veteran is already closing fast.

He needs consistent game time to prove his fitness. Unfortunately, his body seems to disagree. For now, the focus remains solely on the medical report. However, the future looks increasingly bleak for the spirited all-rounder.

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