India, May 3 -- The Mumbai Indians are all but out of IPL 2026. Despite a slim mathematical chance, Hardik Pandya has virtually conceded defeat, admitting it has not been their season. For a five-time champion, seven losses and a ninth-place standing have invited heavy criticism, with the skipper bearing the brunt. But former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary believes the downfall cannot be pinned on captaincy alone.

Speaking to Cricbuzz after Mumbai's defeat to Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on Saturday, Tiwary said the season had effectively slipped away a while ago, even though a faint qualification chance remains if results go their way.

The former KKR batter pointed out that Mumbai have fallen short of their own standards, largely due t...