Hardik Pandya is captaining MI in IPL 2026. Image Credits- AFP
The Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) has not been the season either for Hardik Pandya or his team, the Mumbai Indians (MI). The five-time champions were one of the first teams to get eliminated from the season, with the captain getting the majority of the blame.
Pandya had to miss three successive IPL 2026 matches due to back spasms before returning for MI against KKR in Eden Gardens on Wednesday. The return wasn't fruitful as Mumbai lost yet another clash.
In a rain-curtailed fixture, MI had the poorest of starts, as they were reduced to 41/4 at one stage, but Corbin Bosch and Hardik Pandya efforts to took them to a respectable score. However, it wasn't enough for MI as they lost their ninth game of the season.
Hardik Pandya fined 10% match fees for abusive behaviour
Hardik Pandya scored 26 vital runs with the bat, but he failed to pick a wicket in the second innings. Although he gave just 13 runs in his two overs, a lot more was expected from the MI captain with the ball.
After the end of his first over, which was the 10th over of the innings, a frustrated Hardik Pandya was found showing his aggression and knocking off the bails with force.
The MI skipper has been fined 10% of his match fees for breaching Article 2.2 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct.
"Hardik Pandya, Captain, Mumbai Indians (MI), has been fined 10% of his match fee and has also accumulated one Demerit Point for breaching Level 1 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials," the IPL said via a press release.
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"Hardik Pandya was found to have breached Article 2.2 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct, which pertains to 'abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during a Match’," the press release added.
The all-rounder has admitted the sanctions imposed by the Match Referee, Rajiv Seth.
Poor KKR awarded two points by poorer MI
At one stage, MI were reduced 41/4, but a partnership between Pandya and Tilak Varma revived them from the early losses. However, the two couldn't rescue MI to any great extent, as both were dismissed before the team reached the three-figure mark.
However, late hitting from Corbin Bosch, Will Jacks and Deepak Chahar helped Mumbai reach 147/8. The continued to build on the momentum and scalped three quick wickets, but Manish Pandey and Rovmam Powell bailed KKR out.
The five-time champions came back late into the game with three more wickets, but they had very less gas left in the tank. Eventually, Kolkata were able to chase down in 18.5 overs. With it, KKR are still alive in the playoff race.
Hardik Pandya in IND vs AFG ODI Squad
Despite not-so remarkable IPL performances, Hardik Pandya has been named in the Indian squad for three ODIs against Afghanistan, scheduled to begin on June 13.
The Mumbai captain has struggled with back issues this season, which is why he has been picked in the ODI squad, subject to fitness. Although the selectors have named Nitish Kumar Reddy as Pandya’s backup, Hardik's skill set is hard to match, as he is currently the best white-ball all-rounder going across the world.
Nevertheless, Mumbai and Pandya will next be seen in their final league game against Rajasthan on Sunday at the Wankhede Stadium.
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