Will Hardik Pandya play in the Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians (RCB vs MI) IPL 2026 match at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Raipur on May 10? The question remains, as there is no detailed report in the public domain on the injury status of the MI captain.
Hardik Pandya missed Mumbai Indians’ last match, which was against Lucknow Super Giants on May 4. Due to back spasms, the pace bowling all-rounder and MI leader was not available to take the field that night.
Hardik Pandya is likely to join Mumbai Indians ahead of the RCB match in New Raipur.
Later it was also reported that Pandya was not seen at the airport with the team. Mumbai Indians reportedly flew to Raipur without their regular captain Hardik Pandya. The match against Royal Challengers Bangalore will be held on 10 May.
Before the match, MI have a few days to prepare for the important encounter. It is now believed that Pandya may join the team in New Raipur before the RCB vs MI match day.
Hardik Pandya did not travel with the first batch of MI
In a report, Times of India claimed that Hardik was advised to take rest for about a week to fully recover from the back spasm he suffered during the match against Chennai Super Kings. As per advice, Pandya did not go to Raipur with the first batch of the team for the next match. But he will join the team soon before the game on Sunday.
According to TOI report, “Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya is likely to join the team in Raipur on Thursday for the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday. The all-rounder did not travel with the first batch of players on Wednesday and will join the team later. It is reliably learned that Pandya has been advised precautionary rest for about a week after suffering back spasms against Chennai Super Kings Was.”
Suryakumar Yadav is doubtful to play the match against RCB
The report further confirms that there are some concerns regarding Suryakumar Yadav’s availability for the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Yadav, who played the role of stand-in captain a few times in the current season, is an integral part of the team.
Like Pandya, Yadav also did not go on the trip with the team on Wednesday. The absence list also includes Jasprit Bumrah, Tilak Verma, Quinton de Kock and some other foreign players. It is reported that there is suspense over Suryakumar’s participation in the next match as the middle-order batsman cannot participate due to personal reasons.
As of now, there is no certainty about both Hardik and Suryakumar Yadav for the RCB match, which is another must-win match for Mumbai Indians. If both of them are unable to play the match then who will captain the team against RCB? The question remains.
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