When it comes to incredible IPL turnarounds, Royal Challengers Bengaluru's 2024 season immediately comes to mind. After starting with a dismal 1-7 record, RCB went on an unbelievable six-match winning streak to storm into the playoffs—a comeback that became the stuff of legend.

Now, in IPL 2026, Mumbai Indians find themselves in a strikingly similar predicament. The five-time champions are stuck in ninth place with just two wins from eight matches, sitting on four points with a net run rate of -0.784. The question on every fan's mind: Can the Hardik Pandya-led side pull off their own miracle?

According to veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, the answer is a resounding no. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin didn't hold back his disappointment. "I am a bit shocked by the way Mumbai Indians have played this season. My mind isn't processing how this is even possible," he said. "I felt sorry for them. They were my favorites before the tournament started—I genuinely believed this was their year to bounce back. But Sunrisers Hyderabad didn't even give them a chance."

When asked if MI could replicate RCB's six-match winning streak to salvage their campaign, Ashwin was blunt. "I don't have hope, and here's why: look at the trend. They conceded 220 against Kolkata Knight Riders, but no other team in the tournament gave KKR that many runs. When Mumbai bowl first, they're giving away 230-240 and can't chase it down. Even against Chennai, they allowed 208—which wasn't an impossible target on a slow wicket—but they still couldn't get the job done."

The numbers paint a grim picture. "Their batting lineup is struggling. Their bowling attack is struggling. So where will the answers come from? And when they're playing away from home, they still haven't found any solutions. I just don't know," Ashwin concluded.

For Mumbai Indians fans holding onto hope, the path ahead looks steep. With only six matches remaining, every game is now a must-win—and the margin for error has completely vanished.