IPL 2026 | 'We'll make a decision': Mumbai Indians provide big update on Hardik Pandya
Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya is sidelined with a back issue, missing consecutive IPL 2026 matches. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed the ongoing treatment, stating his return is day-to-day. This setback comes as MI, already eliminated from playoff contention, suffered another defeat, highlighting their disappointing season.
NEW DELHI: When will Hardik Pandya return to action? How is his injury? When will he make a comeback?
These are the questions fans have been asking after the Mumbai Indians skipper missed his second consecutive match in IPL 2026. Mumbai Indians were without their regular captain for the second straight game, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the side in Hardik’s absence. Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene provided an important update on Pandya’s injury after MI suffered a two-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur.
The loss also confirmed five-time champions Mumbai Indians’ elimination from the playoff race. MI became the second team after Lucknow Super Giants to be knocked out of the tournament. Speaking after the match, Jayawardene revealed that Hardik has been dealing with a back issue and is currently under treatment with the medical team.
"Yeah. Hardik had a back issue which we were trying to rectify, but it hasn't settled in yet. So the medical guys were working on him.