Will Hardik Pandya play against RCB in IPL 2026? Latest injury update and availability for MI's next match
Will Hardik Pandya play against RCB in IPL 2026? Latest injury update and availability for MI's next match originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Hardik Pandya missed MI's last game against LSG earlier this week.
- MI next face RCB in a must-win clash in IPL on Sunday.
- Hardik Pandya did not travel to Raipur for Sunday's clash.
What happened to MI captain Hardik Pandya?
Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has experienced a nightmare IPL 2026 campaign, both as a player and as the skipper of MI side.
The star Indian all-rounder has been unable to perform with both bat and ball and under his leadership, MI have lost seven out of the 10 matches they have played thus far.
In their last game against Lucknow Super Giants, a must-win tie, fans were left surprised when Suryakumar Yadav walked out for the toss, alongside Rishabh Pant.
After the toss, SKY confirmed that Pandya was not keeping well and thus he temporarily took charge of the team. To the broadcaster, Yadav said: "Hardik Pandya is unwell with a back spasm, hence Suryakumar Yadav is captain for today's game."
MI, however, are yet to provide any update on Pandya's condition formally, while the players are also tight-lipped. When asked about their captain, Ryan Rickleton said: "I don't know when he's expected to be back. I only found out this afternoon that he had back spasms. So I'm not aware of the extent of it - I wouldn't even call it an injury - or how serious it is or what he's feeling. But I'm sure he'll be back with the group as we head to Raipur this week."
MORE: MI’s biggest defeats in IPL history: Full list of Mumbai Indians’ heaviest losses by runs
Will Hardik Pandya play against RCB in IPL 2026? Latest injury update
According to Cricbuzz, MI players assembled at Mumbai airport to travel to Raipur to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a crucial and must-win encounter on Sunday, May 10.
However, Pandya was nowhere to be found at the airport as the players prepared to board their flight. MI are yet to confirm whether Pandya would join the team in Raipur later this week.
It now remains to be seen if the all-rounder regains full fitness in the next couple of days and flies off to Raipur by the weekend.
The Cricket News Opinion: Suryakumar Yadav capable of replacing Hardik Pandya as captain
India's T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav inspired MI to a crucial win over LSG in their last game. MI headed into the game on the back of a series of losses and the tie against LSG was a must-win clash for the five-time champions to remain in the hunt for a playoff spot in IPL 2026.
Under SKY's leadership, MI once again looked like the dangerous outfit they once were as they comfortably chased down 229 runs, inspired by brilliant knocks from Rohit Sharma and Rickleton.
Even if Pandya cannot lead MI against RCB, fans can rest assured that SKY is more than capable of taking the leadership role and inspiring MI to yet another victory.
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