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The drama surrounding Mumbai Indians and Hardik Pandya in the ongoing IPL 2026 is getting more interesting with each passing day. After being out of the playoff race, Mumbai Indians are now facing fresh drama regarding the fitness of captain Hardik Pandya.
Hardik has not been traveling with the MI team for the last few matches, leading to massive speculation among fans on social media. Some media reports have suggested that the Indian all-rounder is currently battling back spasms, but a viral video showing him training in Mumbai has created confusion and suspicion over a possible rift between him and the franchise.
Corbin Bosch confirms Mumbai Indians are missing Hardik Pandya amid injury drama in IPL 2026
Amidst all the noise and speculation, MI all-rounder Corbin Bosch has opened up about Hardik Pandya’s absence from the last four matches in the ongoing IPL 2025.
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Ahead of MI’s clash against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala on May 14, Bosch admitted that the five-time IPL champions have certainly missed Hardik badly, as his impact is not just limited to captaincy but he also brings energy, balance and confidence to the team.
Also, the South African player made it clear that the decision regarding Hardik Pandya’s return is completely in the hands of the medical staff and team management.
Slightly above my pay grade: Corbyn Bosch on Hardik Pandya’s absence
“Hardik is not only a leader but also a fantastic cricketer. We miss his presence when it comes to things on the field,” Corbin Bosch was quoted as saying by Times of India at the pre-match press conference.
“I’m sure the people who are making decisions and the people who are looking after him are trying to do the best for him and the team. So, it has been difficult, but at the same time the game goes on, and we still need to play good cricket.”
When asked about the reason for the captain’s absence, he refrained from giving further details. “A bit above my pay grade, but I think whoever is making the decisions, the physios and the management, they know a bit more than me,” Bosch insisted.
Corbin Bosch believes Mumbai Indians were a complete failure in IPL 2026
The Mumbai Indians all-rounder also spoke honestly about the team’s disappointing IPL 2026 season, saying that they never really managed to click together as a complete unit, and this is one of the biggest reasons behind their early exit. They have managed to win only three of their 11 matches so far.
Bosch said, “I think we just haven’t played the whole game. One day the bowlers will perform well and then the batsmen may struggle, or the batsmen perform well, then the bowlers will struggle. Ultimately, it’s all about the key moments, and we haven’t won them enough this year.”
The Proteas stars also admitted that MI’s poor fielding is another big issue for them this season. He signed off by saying, “Lessing important chances at crucial stages of matches has taken the game in the opposite direction and not in our favour. So, it’s a lot of things.”
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