“He has not found runs at all”

Former Indian spinner Murali Kartik expressed concerns over Mumbai Indians (MI) batter Tilak Varma’s form ahead of the side’s crucial IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 16. The left-hander has been woeful thus far this season, averaging under nine at a strike rate of 120.68 in four games.

As a result, MI are off to another slow start in an IPL season, losing three out of their first four outings. Tilak aside, their other key middle-order batter, Suryakumar Yadav, has been up-and-down, averaging under 27 in four innings.

Talking about the importance of the duo ahead of the MI-PBKS encounter, Kartik said on Cricbuzz (24:21):

“At least Suryakumar Yadav has had two scores with a half-century and a 30. But Tilak Varma has not found runs at all, especially as the crucial left-hander in the middle order. Just him getting runs would be a big boost for MI.”

Kartik also urged MI to open the batting with the talented Naman Dhir if Rohit Sharma misses out, saying:

“They’ll have to look within the side. Naman Dhir has done that on previous occasions. The temptation must be to get Quinton de Kock in. But I won’t get him in at the expense of Trent Boult. They still need him because that is an area that has not gone well for them. So I would internally get Naman Dhir to open.”

Rohit suffered a hamstring injury during MI’s run chase in the previous game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), making him a doubtful starter for the contest against PBKS.

“The real issue is bowling” – Murali Kartik on MI

Murali Kartik believes MI’s biggest concern is their lackluster bowling thus far in IPL 2026. The five-time champions have conceded at least 220 in three out of the four matches they have bowled first, and gave away 150 in 11 overs in the other instance.

“The real issue is bowling. Yet, they have some wonderful bowlers. I understand some of the key Indian batters are not getting runs. But the bowling hasn’t fired as well. And for a side as good as theirs to be languishing at No.9 is an absolute shocker,” said Kartik (via the aforementioned source).

All the main MI bowlers except Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Santner have gone at an economy of over 10. The former, despite his excellent economy of 8.20, is yet to pick up a wicket in four matches this season.