Paras Mhambrey Defends Deepak Chahar After Mumbai Indians Catching Woes
Standing Firm Amidst a Tough Season
The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign has been one to forget for the Mumbai Indians (MI). With their playoff aspirations officially dashed on May 8, the team found themselves in the difficult position of playing out the remainder of their schedule with little but pride to gain. Despite facing three more weeks of cricket without the carrot of a postseason run, the motivation within the camp remains surprisingly high. Paras Mhambrey, the MI assistant coach, insists that the commitment to playing quality cricket remains the primary driver for both players and staff.
Focusing on the Process Over Results
After a disappointing loss to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)—the team’s ninth defeat in 13 outings—Mhambrey addressed the media with a level-headed perspective. He emphasized that the preparation for each match remains identical regardless of the team’s position on the points table. ‘Our preparation is simple: look at winning the games,’ Mhambrey stated. He explained that the current objective is to dissect each performance, learn from tactical mistakes, and construct a mindset that fosters winning habits for the future.
Mhambrey acknowledged the hypothetical impact a victory against KKR could have had on the playoff race but maintained that focusing on external variables is counterproductive. ‘We can only control what we can control,’ he added. ‘And what we can control is going out there and playing quality 40 hours of cricket and winning the game.’
Supporting Deepak Chahar Through Fielding Lapses
A significant talking point from the KKR clash was the performance in the field, specifically regarding dropped catches. Deepak Chahar found himself at the center of two high-profile incidents. The first occurred in the tenth over when a communication breakdown between Chahar and Robin Minz resulted in a missed opportunity off the bat of Rovman Powell. The second incident involved a near-collision during the 18th over, where Chahar and Ryan Rickelton failed to secure a difficult chance from Tejasvi Dahiya.
Rather than pointing fingers, Mhambrey firmly shut down any speculation of scapegoating. ‘No one does it on purpose. You drop catches. It just happens, part of the game,’ he noted. He expressed that dwelling on individual errors is not part of the team’s culture. He pointed to positive contributions elsewhere, such as Corbin Bosch’s brilliant catch at point, as proof that fielding is a collective effort with inevitable peaks and valleys.
Statistical Context: The Bigger Picture
While the focus on Chahar was intense, the data suggests that Mumbai Indians are far from being the worst fielding unit in the league. According to ball-by-ball records, MI have dropped 14 catches this season. While any drop is costly, this performance places them as the fourth-most efficient team in the tournament regarding catching. Teams like the Punjab Kings have recorded significantly higher drop rates, providing context that fielding struggles are a widespread challenge across the IPL landscape this year.
Mhambrey offered insight into the mental state of a player in the field, noting, ‘There are too many things happening. You think about how I can make a difference in maybe one over that’s left. So you constantly think about contributing.’ He reaffirmed his support for the player, stating, ‘I would not blame, or put Deepak under the train out here, definitely not.’
Looking Ahead to the Final Hurdle
As the season draws to a close, the Mumbai Indians head back to the iconic Wankhede Stadium for a final encounter against the Rajasthan Royals (RR). For Mhambrey and his squad, the focus is entirely on ending the campaign on a high note. ‘You need to find a way to win. It’s like a home game for us. So we know the surface as well,’ he explained. With the match scheduled as an afternoon affair, the team is preparing for the unique challenges that playing in the heat will bring for both sides, hoping to provide their fans with a final moment of success before the season wraps up.
Aarav Malhotra is a cricket features writer from Pune specializing in player biographies, IPL season stories, and emerging cricket talents. His content focuses on storytelling-driven sports journalism optimized for modern cricket audiences and search platforms.
More Stories
