Mumbai Indians kept their IPL 2026 playoff hopes alive with a commanding six wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday, but it remains a very difficult scenario from here. After opting to bowl, Mumbai’s bowlers struggled early on as Nicholas Pooran smashed a 21 ball 63 to power LSG to a strong 228 for 5. However, the chase was completely dominated by Mumbai’s opening pair. Rohit Sharma, returning from injury, scored a fluent 84 off 44 balls, while Ryan Rickelton went all out with a blistering 83 off just 32 deliveries. The duo put on a record 143 run opening stand, setting the tone for the chase as Mumbai reached 229 for 4 with eight balls to spare. The win not only kept MI’s playoff hopes alive but also dented LSG’s qualification chances. Mumbai Indians are currently placed 9th in the IPL 2026 standings with 6 points from 10 matches. While their hopes are still mathematically alive, the road ahead looks extremely tough and no longer in their control.…