DC vs MI Toss: Why Hardik Pandya Is Not Playing Today And Who Has Replaced Him?

Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Axar Patel, Suryakumar Yadav. Image Credits: AP

The excitement for IPL 2026 is increasing with each passing match. In match no.8, the Delhi Capitals will take on Mumbai Indians at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

Delhi Capitals started their campaign on a strong note, beating Lucknow Super Giants by 6 wickets. Led by Axar Patel, DC showcased disciplined bowling and smart tactics. Despite having a relatively modest batting lineup, they comfortably chased down the target of 141.

Playing their first home game, DC will look to build on this momentum and deliver another strong performance in front of their fans.

On the other hand, the Mumbai Indians looked dominant in their opening match against the Kolkata Knight Riders. Chasing a challenging total of 221, MI displayed their batting strength with ease. Ryan Rickelton impressed with a brilliant 81, while Rohit Sharma turned back the clock with a quickfire 78.

So, as the excitement is at an all-time high for the DC vs MI match, in this article, let’s take a look at the toss update and the playing XI’s for Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians.

DC vs MI IPL 2026: Playing XIs

Toss Update: It is important to mention that Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel has won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Mumbai Indians Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Sherfane Rutherford, Mitchell Santner, Corbin Bosch, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah

Delhi Capitals Playing XI: KL Rahul (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Vipraj Nigam, Axar Patel (c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar

Who has replaced Hardik Pandya in playing XI vs DC?

Talking about the playing XIs, Hardik Pandya is not playing for the Mumbai Indians, and in his absence, Suryakumar Yadav is taking on the captaincy duties.

It is important to note that during the toss, Suryakumar Yadav stated that Hardik Pandya is not well and not fit to play against the Delhi Capitals.

MI has also made more changes. Mitchell Santner, Corbin Bosch, and Deepak Chahar have been included in the playing XI. On the other hand, the Delhi Capitals is playing with the same XI.

DC vs MI IPL 2026: Captains Thoughts

Suryakumar Yadav (Mumbai Indians Captain): "[Update on Hardik Pandya?] He's not well. Doesn't look good. So, he isn't fit for today's game. So I'm getting into his shoes.

[Thoughts on the previous game] Happy to get the opening win after 13-14 years. We have to take the responsibility today and we have to play well here.

[What would they have done had they won the toss?] We would have batted first as well. I think they wanted to bowl first and we wanted to bat first. Very happy to bat first. It looks a good one. We have done well here while batting first.

Also Read: Arun Jaitley Stadium Delhi Pitch Report, Weather Report For DC Vs MI, Match 8, IPL 2026

[Changes?] We have quite a few changes. Deepak Chahar comes in place of Hardik. Corbin Bosch comes in place of Boult. That's a tactical change. Boult bowled very well at Wankhede but it's a tactical change and Bosch comes in. Also, Santner comes in place of Allah Ghazanfar."

Axar Patel (Delhi Capitals Captain): "I chose to bowl first. First game at home, want to see how the pitch plays. Looks a little dry, looks hard as well. We chased in the last game and hence I would like to chase once again.

[On last win] Obviously, 26 for 4 in the powerplay and to win from there boosts your confidence. Top order, who all missed out, will know that there are players to back them up if they have an off day.

[On home support] Home games are always special. People cheer for us here every time. We would want to perform well and show them exciting cricket. No, we are going with the same team."