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Hardik Pandya Returns for MI vs RCB Clash in IPL 2026

Hardik Pandya has joined the Mumbai Indians squad in Raipur after missing the previous match due to a back spasm. He is expected to train with the team on Friday ahead of their crucial clash against RCB on Sunday. MI are struggling at ninth place on the points table with only three wins from ten matches. RCB, meanwhile, sit at third place after losing to Lucknow Super Giants.

Key Points: Hardik Pandya Joins MI Squad for RCB IPL 2026 Game

  • Hardik Pandya joins MI squad in Raipur after missing LSG game due to back spasm
  • Suryakumar Yadav captained MI in Pandya's absence against LSG
  • MI languish at 9th spot with 3 wins, need to win all remaining games
  • RCB host MI on Sunday, with Bengaluru franchise sitting at 3rd place
2 min read

IPL 2026: MI skipper Hardik Pandya joins squad in Raipur ahead of RCB clash

Hardik Pandya returns to Mumbai Indians squad in Raipur after back spasm, set to train ahead of crucial IPL 2026 clash against RCB on Sunday.

"I don't know when he's expected to be back. I found out this afternoon that he had back spasms - Ryan Rickelton"

Raipur, May 8

Skipper and star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has joined the Mumbai Indians squad in Raipur ahead of their crucial IPL 2026 clash against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, after missing the previous match due to a back spasm.

The development was confirmed on the franchise's Instagram page, where they shared a post of their captain, Hardik.

During MI's previous IPL 2026 clash against the Lucknow Super Giants, Suryakumar Yadav stepped in to lead the side in place of Hardik.

After Mumbai's thumping win over LSG, during the post-match press conference, Ryan Rickelton addressed concerns about Hardik's injury.

"I don't know when he's expected to be back. I found out this afternoon that he had back spasms, so I'm unaware of the extent of it. I don't want to call it an injury; I'm unaware of the extent of how bad it is or what he's feeling. But I'm sure he'll be with the group again as we head to Raipur this week," Rickelton said.

A full-fledged training session is scheduled at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, and Pandya is expected to train with the team in the nets on Friday.

The defending champions, RCB, will host the five-time champions in a blockbuster clash on Sunday evening.

With seven defeats and three victories, the Mumbai Indians are languishing at the ninth spot on the points table and need to win each of their remaining matches to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

Meanwhile, after losing to LSG in Lucknow, the Bengaluru-based franchise have to third spot, losing their fourth game of the competition.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Hoping Hardik's back spasm isn't serious. Back problems can be tricky for fast bowlers and all-rounders. But honestly, MI's season is already over - they're practically out of playoff race with only 6 points from 10 matches. They need a miracle now! 🙏
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Vikram M
Yaar, Hardik bhai, itne important match se pehle back spasm? 🤔 Honestly, I think he's been overworked - captaining MI plus India games. But the real issue is MI's bowling attack - too expensive, no wicket-taking options in middle overs. Even if Hardik plays, it's going to be tough against RCB's batting lineup🔥
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Riya H
Hardik's return is a boost for MI, but I think their problem is deeper than just one player. The team selection has been baffling - why is Tim David sitting out? And their death bowling is leaking runs like a sieve. RCB, on the other hand, are looking dangerous. Faf and Kohli are in great touch. Should be a cracker of a game though! 🏏
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Michael C
Let's be honest - MI's season is done and dusted. 3 wins in 10 matches, 7 defeats? That's not just bad, it's embarrassing for a team with such a rich legacy. Hardik's return is a PR move more than a tactical one at this point. They should focus on building for next season instead. Just my two cents... 🤷‍♂️
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Ananya R
I'm actually excited about this match! Two champion teams, desperate for a win. MI

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