Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya did not travel with the squad to Dharamsala for their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS). MI coaching staff said that Pandya has back spasms which led to him missing their previous two games. While it was assumed that Pandya may miss another match, the all-rounder took to Instagram and posted two videos of himself batting in full swing late night on May 12. The videos went viral overnight leaving fans wondering whether there is something amiss in the MI dressing room.
On the eve of the game against PBKS, a TOI report claims that the swashbuckling all-rounder trained at the Reliance Corporate Park on May 12 for more than three hours.
It is yet to be seen whether Pandya will play against RCB. Also, Suryakumar Yadav did not travel with the squad either, just like he didn’t for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) game either before captaining either. It is uncertain whether Suryakumar will be available for the game, having recently welcoming his first child. Like the RCB game, he can also join the side close to PBKS clash.
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Hardik Pandya’s MI captaincy record
MI have had a forgettable season so far. Since the high-profile Pandya trade and him being named captain, MI have missed the playoffs spot in two seasons including the current one. In IPL 2024, MI finished at the bottom of the points table with just four wins in the season. In the previous season, he led MI to playoffs but they were beaten in Qualifier 2 by PBKS.
Pandya has led MI in 37 games, winning 15. His win percentage of 40.54 is among the lowest among MI captains who have led in 10 or more games.
MI's 3 remaining games
MI have three games left in the season to avoid finishing at the bottom. They are currently above Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on the basis of net run rate (NRR). After the PBKS game on May 14, they will head to Kolkata and face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 20. The five-time IPL champions' last game of the season is against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at home.