Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma (Source: AP)
Mumbai Indians (MI) have received a major boost ahead of their crucial IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The RCB vs MI match will be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Raipur on May 10.
However, ahead of the much-awaited game, there has been a major update on MI captain Hardik Pandya’s availability amid rift rumours in the Mumbai camp.
The five-time IPL champions are currently struggling in the cash-rich league and need wins to keep their playoff hopes alive.
How Can MI Qualify For IPL 2026 Playoffs?
Mumbai Indians are currently placed 9th on the IPL 2026 points table with just three wins from 10 matches. The franchise has suffered seven defeats and now faces a near-impossible task to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs.
To remain in contention, MI must win all four of their remaining league-stage matches against RCB, Punjab Kings, KKR , and Rajasthan Royals. Even if they manage to reach 14 points, qualification will still depend heavily on net run rate and the results of other teams.
One more defeat would officially eliminate the Mumbai Indians from the playoff race. This makes the upcoming clash against RCB a virtual knockout game for the franchise.
Why did Hardik Pandya not travel with MI’s first batch of players for the RCB clash?
It is important to note that the questions about rift rumours in the MI camp began after Hardik Pandya missed the MI's previous match against LSG on May 4.
Before the toss, there was no news that the all-rounder was injured and would not be available for the MI vs LSG match.
At the toss, Suryakumar Yadav stepped in as captain and revealed that Hardik Pandya was suffering from a back spasm. Reports later stated that the MI skipper had developed stiffness in his back during the CSK vs MI match and was advised a precautionary one-week rest.
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Since there was a 6-day gap between MI’s next match, the squad travelled to Raipur in multiple batches. Hardik did not travel with the first group of players and support staff.
Some fans even believed that Hardik Pandya had been dropped due to poor performances and criticism over his captaincy.
Hardik Pandya joins MI’s campaign before RCB vs MI match
In the latest update, Hardik Pandya has officially joined the Mumbai Indians squad in Raipur ahead of the high-pressure clash against RCB. The franchise confirmed his arrival through a post on social media.
A full training session has been scheduled at the New Raipur Stadium, and Hardik is expected to train with the squad in the nets before the game.
Will Hardik Pandya play in the RCB vs MI match?
Despite joining the squad, Hardik's participation against RCB has not yet been confirmed. According to reports by Cricbuzz, the MI management will take a final decision closer to match day depending on his fitness condition.
It is important to mention that as per the same report the all-rounder is recovering well from his back spasms and is progressing positively. If he is not risked against RCB, the franchise remains hopeful that he will return for the remaining league matches.
