Hardik Pandya injury update: Mumbai Indians skipper advised a week's rest, Suryakumar Yadav to miss due to personal reasons, new captaincy debut on cards?

Mumbai Indians (MI) have had a below par Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 so far, losing seven out of 10 matches. Their playoffs chances are bleak and injuries have marred their campaign as well, not just Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Ahead of their must-win game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Raipur, not just skipper Hardik Pandya but stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav did not travel with the team as well.

While Pandya missed the home game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) due to back spasm, Suryakumar donned the captaincy hat. As per a report by TOI, Suryakumar may miss the RCB game due to personal reasons. The report further revealed that Jasprit Bumrah, Tilak Varma, Quinton de Kock and a few other foreign players did not travel to Raipur straightaway either as the franchise wants them to refresh before facing Rajat Patidar's RCB.

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Will Pandya miss the RCB game too?

In addition, there is a doubt over Pandya's availability for RCB game. He has been advised a week's rest after complaining of back spasm after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) game. However, he is expected to link up with the squad for the May 10 clash. A call on his availability will be taken closer for the RCB game. If the all-rounder doesn’t play on May 10, he is expected to return to action on May 14 against Punjab Kings (PBKS).

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Do MI have other captaincy options?

In a scenario where both Pandya and Suryakumar don’t turn up for toss on May 10, MI have a few captaincy options. They can go back to their five-time IPL-winning skipper Rohit Sharma who returned to action in the previous game. However, he played as an impact player and MI may not risk him getting injured. In that case, they have Tilak Varma and Jasprit Bumrah as captaincy options too. Bumrah has captained India in three Tests. Meanwhile, Tilak has captained his state team and the India A.

Currently, MI find themselves placed ninth on the points table. A win may help them climb up a spot or two, surpassing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) or Delhi Capitals (DC) who have each other on May 8.