Doubts remain over Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya. As per the latest claims, the MI captain, who is still recovering from a back injury, is expected to miss the next match.
Mumbai Indians are scheduled to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) tomorrow, May 14. Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium In Dharamshala. If reports are to be believed, Hardik may miss the match against PBKS.
Hardik Pandya is expected to miss the PBKS vs MI IPL 2026 match
Due to the same injury, the seam bowling all-rounder had already missed a few matches, which were against Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 4 and May 10 respectively. During Hardik Pandya’s absence, Suryakumar Yadav played as MI’s stand-in captain. If Pandya is also available for the PBKS vs MI match, Yadav can lead the team.
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The match against KKR is also doubtful
Along with the PBKS match, hardik pandya The playing of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) match is also doubtful. The KKR vs MI match is scheduled to take place on May 20 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
PTI journalist Kushan Sarkar claimed on social media platform
Some? #IPL news: @mipaltan Captain Hardik Pandya is still recovering from a back problem and will not be available tomorrow. Next match in Kolkata is a 50/50 chance
– Kushan Sarkar (@kushansarkar) 13 May 2026
Mumbai Indians’ dream of their sixth IPL title is over for this season as they will have to take the exit door immediately after the conclusion of the group stage of the current season. Their chances for the IPL 2026 play-offs were bleak after they lost against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their previous match. Suryakumar Yadav was the acting captain in this match.
Mumbai Indians suggested sacking Hardik
It is known that Hardik Pandya has not been able to play many matches in the season due to back injury and illness. As yet, Mumbai Indians currently ranked 9thth In a 10-team league. After playing 11 matches, they managed to score only 6 points from 3 wins and fell short in the remaining 8 matches. Due to repeated failures, some cricket experts believe that the MI franchise will have to take a final call on their current captain, who is Hardik.
While speaking with Sportstar, former Team India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar simply said that the franchise should sack Hardik from the leadership role and appoint Jasprit Bumrah as their next leader.
Sanjay Manjrekar said, “I think they (Mumbai Indians) have to look beyond Hardik Pandya. Yes, because that move definitely hasn’t worked out. It’s not fair to Hardik either. It’s like a package deal. You know, if Hardik was going to come to Mumbai, he should have brought Ashish Nehra with him as well. But Ashish won’t be with him.”
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