Cricket
oi-Ashish Rana
Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya was absent from the franchise’s travelling squad ahead of their IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur, according to reports, adding further uncertainty around the all-rounder’s availability and the team’s disappointing campaign.
Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya was reportedly missing from the team’s travelling squad for their IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur, following absence due to back spasms, adding to team uncertainty and debate over his form.
Hardik had already missed Mumbai’s previous fixture against Lucknow Super Giants because of back spasms. While the injury was initially not considered serious enough to rule him out for long, his absence from the squad’s airport departure on Wednesday has now intensified speculation over his situation.
Report Claims Hardik Was Not Seen With MI Squad
As per a Cricbuzz report, Hardik was not spotted alongside the Mumbai Indians contingent at Terminal 1 of Mumbai airport as the team left for Raipur. There has also been no official confirmation on whether the MI skipper will join the squad later.
Mumbai Indians had earlier clarified his absence from the Lucknow game through an official statement that read: “Hardik Pandya is unwell with back spasms; hence, Suryakumar Yadav is captain for today’s game.”
However, with no further clarity emerging around his recovery, discussions around the captain’s prolonged absence have only grown louder.
Ryan Rickelton Says Team Also Unclear On Injury Timeline
Mumbai Indians batter Ryan Rickelton admitted earlier this week that even players inside the dressing room had limited information regarding Hardik’s condition.
“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,” Rickelton had said on Monday.
Despite that optimism, Hardik’s absence during the team’s departure has now raised fresh concerns.
Hardik’s Form Adds To Mumbai Indians’ Problems
Apart from fitness concerns, Hardik’s performances this season have also come under scrutiny. The Mumbai Indians skipper has managed only 146 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of 136.45, while his bowling has failed to create impact consistently.
Mumbai Indians currently sit ninth in the IPL 2026 points table with just three wins from ten matches, leaving the five-time champions struggling to stay relevant in the playoff race.
The disappointing season has also placed senior stars such as Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah under pressure, just months after the trio celebrated India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup triumph.
Captaincy Shift From Rohit Sharma Continues To Be Debated
Mumbai’s difficult season has once again reignited debate around the franchise’s leadership transition. The management’s decision to move on from Rohit Sharma and bring Hardik Pandya back as captain was expected to signal the beginning of a fresh phase for the franchise.
Instead, the move has coincided with one of the team’s most turbulent campaigns in recent years.
Rohit’s captaincy era was associated with stability, calm decision-making and tactical control, qualities that became central to Mumbai Indians’ identity during their title-winning years.
Hardik’s return was expected to add aggression and balance through his all-round abilities, but injuries, inconsistent form and leadership pressure have combined to leave Mumbai searching for answers throughout IPL 2026.
