Hardik Pandya hits Mumbai Indians player [Source: AFP]The IPL 2026 season will commence on Saturday, and ahead of the marquee event, the former IPL champions, the Mumbai Indians, are looking in the groove. They are perhaps the only franchise not marred by injuries or player arrival delays, and will be one of the favourites to clinch the championship this season.The last two IPL seasons have been underwhelming for the Mumbai Indians. In 2024, they failed to qualify for the playoffs, and last season, the team reached Qualifier 2 but lost against the Punjab Kings.Ahead of IPL 2026, the team has been grinding in nets, with almost all players sweating hard before their opening match of the season. However, in an intra-squad practice match on Thursday evening, one of the Mumbai Indians players was struck hard by a Hardik Pandya delivery, and luckily, no injury was recorded.Hardik Pandya apologises after hitting Mumbai Indians teammateIn the intra-squad game, South African batter Corbin Bosch was batting against skipper Hardik Pandya, when the Indian cricketer bent his back and bowled a slightly shorter delivery. Bosch swivelled for a pull shot, but he missed it completely as the ball hit him on his back.The right-handed batter looked in pain as he ran for a single, but just at that moment, something interesting happened. In the middle of the run, Hardik apologised to Bosch, and when the batter reached the non-striker's end, the Mumbai Indians captain hugged his teammate, showcasing solidarity before IPL 2026.Mumbai Indians @mipaltan 𝑴𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 like these 🥹 Mar 27, 2026, 2:01 PM Bosch is a key member of the Mumbai squad, and an injury to him would have hampered the franchise’s IPL campaign. Hardik immediately realised it as he apologised and checked on him mid-match.Also Read: Hardik Pandya Heavily Rewards Wankhede Staff, Reason And Amount RevealedThe importance of Corbin Bosch in Mumbai IndiansOne of the key members of the Mumbai squad, Bosch, is a reliable player for the franchise as he offers two important elements. The South African is an explosive batter down the order, as he can chip in with quick runs if and when needed.The Wankhede wicket will be flat, and it will be a batting paradise. Hence, the Hardik Pandya-led side will aim to strengthen their batting, and Bosch could be used at number 8.Moreover, the Wankhede surface also offers extra bounce to the pacers, and the right-arm bowler, Bosch, is known for using his height to get the extra bounce from the surface, and as a result, there is a solid chance that the Mumbai Indians will play him in the main XI.Hardik and Mumbai aim for redemption in IPL 2026It has been five seasons since the Mumbai Indians last won an IPL trophy. The Mumbai-based side last tasted success in IPL 2020 under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, and since then, the team has been eluded of a championship.The former five-time IPL winner reached Qualifier 2 in IPL 2025, and the team has certainly progressed under Hardik. However, this season, the team will aim for redemption as Mumbai has one of the best teams in the league, and they’ll be eager to end their IPL trophy drought.Also Read: Multan Sultans Predicted Playing XI vs Islamabad United- PSL 2026, Match 4
