Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya remains doubtful for the side’s IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala, with all-rounder Corbin Bosch admitting the team has struggled without its skipper while also indicating that a final call could be taken only at toss time.
Hardik has missed Mumbai’s last two matches because of a back spasm and did not travel with the squad earlier this week. While the rest of the Mumbai Indians contingent arrived in Dharamsala on Monday afternoon, the captain was notably absent, adding further uncertainty over his availability for the Punjab fixture.
Speaking to the media on the eve of the match, Bosch acknowledged the impact Hardik’s absence has had on the side.
“Yeah, it’s obviously been tough. Hardik is not only a leader but also a fantastic cricketer. We’ve missed his presence when it comes to the on-field stuff,” Bosch said.
“Again, I’m sure the people making decisions and those looking after him are trying to do what’s best for him and for the team itself. So it has been tricky, but at the same time, the game does move forward, and we still need to play cricket. It’s one of those things,” he added.
Bosch also suggested that clarity over Hardik’s participation may not emerge until just before the match begins.
“That’s a little bit above my pay grade, but I think the people making those decisions — the physios and the management — know a little bit more than I do. From what I’m aware of, we’ll know by the toss tomorrow,” Bosch said.
Hardik had also missed Mumbai’s previous clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur despite arriving late at the venue. Before that game, Mumbai Indians confirmed that the captain had not yet received clearance from the medical team.
“Hardik has not been cleared by the medical team to take the field,” MI had stated ahead of the RCB fixture.
While Mumbai Indians continue to maintain that Hardik Pandya is recovering from a back spasm, the intensity of his recent training session, clips of which he uploaded on social media, has sparked fresh speculation over his fitness status.
The Mumbai Indians skipper posted videos on his Instagram story showing him batting in the nets against throwdown specialists and net bowlers in Mumbai.
Hardik’s injury concerns have come at a difficult stage of the season for Mumbai Indians, who were among the first teams to be knocked out of the IPL 2026 playoff race. The captain’s own form has also come under scrutiny, with Hardik managing 146 runs and four wickets so far this season.
The five-time IPL champions reached Dharamsala from Chandigarh on Tuesday afternoon, but neither Hardik nor stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav travelled with the squad.
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