Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya did not travel with the squad to Raipur for their upcoming IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, India Today has learnt, casting fresh doubt over his availability for one of the side’s most crucial matches of the season.
The Mumbai Indians squad assembled at Terminal 1 of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Friday before departing for Raipur, but Pandya was not present with the travelling group.
What makes the development more significant is that there is currently no indication of Pandya joining the squad closer to the match either, leaving Mumbai with a major question mark over the availability of their captain ahead of the RCB clash.
Pandya had also missed Mumbai Indians’ previous game against Lucknow Super Giants, where Suryakumar Yadav stepped in as stand-in captain and led the side to a comfortable six-wicket win. At the toss, Suryakumar had said, “He’s not well tonight, so just going into his shoes.”
Mumbai Indians later confirmed that Pandya was unavailable due to a back spasm. The issue is understood to have surfaced close to the match, with the franchise initially describing the all-rounder as unwell before confirming the nature of the problem.
This was also the second match Pandya missed this season, having earlier sat out the game against Delhi Capitals. While back spasms are not always considered a major injury concern, they can be difficult to manage, especially for an all-rounder who is expected to contribute heavily with both bat and ball. With the tournament entering its decisive phase, Mumbai are expected to take a cautious approach rather than risk aggravating the issue.
MI’s playoff hopes
Pandya’s absence comes at a critical point in Mumbai Indians’ season, with the five-time champions still clinging to an outside chance of making the playoffs.
Mumbai’s win over Lucknow kept them alive in the race, but their margin for error is now virtually non-existent. If Mumbai Indians win all their remaining matches, they can finish the league stage on 14 points, which could still keep them in contention for a top-four finish.
However, even that may not be enough on its own.
Mumbai will also need results elsewhere to go in their favour and will likely be dependent on net run-rate to stay in the playoff hunt. With several teams still in the mix, MI not only need to keep winning but may also need convincing margins to improve their position.
That makes Pandya’s fitness all the more important as Mumbai head into a must-win stretch of the season.
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