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Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya has missed two games on the trot in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 due to back spasms as per the franchise. However, a video of him batting in the nets in Mumbai ahead of Dharamsala game went viral on social media, raising questions on whether he is really injured or something else is brewing amid a poor season for the five-time IPL champions. On the eve of their game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Dharamsala, MI’s overseas all-rounder Corbin Bosch has said that Pandya's absence has been felt on the field. He hopes that Pandya is being looked after, all but confirming that the skipper will miss the third game on the trot.
"It's obviously been tough. Hardik is not only a leader but a fantastic cricketer as well. We've missed his presence when it comes to the on-field stuff," Bosch said the pre-match press conference.
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"I'm sure the people that are making decisions and the people that are looking after him are trying to do the best for him and for the team itself.
"It has been tricky but at the same time the game does move forward and we still need to play cricket so it's one of those things," Bosch added.
Bosch on MI getting knocked out of IPL 2026 playoffs race
MI have struggled this season whether its at home or in away conditions. They will aim at avoiding the wooden spoon for the second time in three seasons. Currently, they are placed at the ninth place with eight losses from 11 games. Bosch rues MI not being able to play a complete game, not turning up for key moments with dropped catches.
"We just have not put together a complete game. One day it’s been the bowlers who would do well and the batters struggle a little bit or the (next day) the batters do well and the bowlers struggle,” the Proteas all-rounder said.
“The key moments in the game which this team is known for winning, we just haven't done that this year.
“Maybe dropping crucial chances at crucial stages of the game that have swung the game in the opposite direction. It’s a multitude of things but at the same time going into each game, we make sure that we leave no stone unturned,” Bosch added.
Bosch’s IPL 2026 stats in limited appearances
In the ongoing season, Bosch has played just three games. He has scored 16 runs from two innings at a strike rate of 177.77. With the ball, he has seven wickets at an average of 12.14. He claimed an economical four-fer against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the previous appearance. MI ended up losing the last-ball thriller as Raj Bawa could not execute his plans against tailenders.
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