Hardik Pandya misses out on MI vs DC match (Source: AFP Photos)
In a news which came as a major setback for Mumbai Indians (MI), Hardik Pandya did not make himself available for their IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals (DC) at Arun Jaitley Stadium.
In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20 World Cup-winning captain, donned the captain’s hat for MI, ahead of Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah.
Why Hardik Pandya Is Not Playing DC Vs MI IPL 2026 Match
During the DC vs MI toss, Axar Patel won the toss and asked Rohit Sharma and his boys to bat first. After that, Suryakumar revealed why Hardik Pandya was not playing the Delhi versus Mumbai IPL 2026 match.
"He's not well. Doesn't look good. So, he isn't fit for today's game. So I'm getting into his shoes," SKY said at the toss.
MI Playing XI Vs DC
Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Sherfane Rutherford, Mitchell Santner, Corbin Bosch, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah
MI Impact Subs: Mayank Markande, Robin Minz, Raj Angad Bawa, Trent Boult, Ashwani Kumar
Also Read: Arun Jaitley Stadium Delhi Pitch Report, Weather Report For DC Vs MI, Match 8, IPL 2026
Did MI Have Any Vice-Captain For IPL 2026?
Despite having plenty of big names in their core, MI did not have anyone as their vice-captain under Hardik Pandya. None of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, or even Tilak Varma got Hardik’s deputy resignation, although it was now clear who would get the position.
SKY took over MI in Hardik’s absence, which meant the India’s T20 World Cup-winning captain got Hardik’s back.
Mumbai Indians Off To A Flying Start In IPL 2026
Under Hardik’s leadership, Mumbai Indians got an excellent start in IPL 2026, something they don’t enjoy most. They had been a losing side in season openers since IPL 2012 until a commanding victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) before coming to this fixture.
In that fixture, Rohit Sharma made all the headlines in front of his beloved fans at Wankhede Stadium. The former MI captain rolled back the years, smashing a thunderous 78-run knock in just 38 deliveries with six sixes and as many fours.
Mumbai Having A Tough Time In IPL
Notably, Mumbai Indians, despite five IPL titles in the past, have not won once since IPL 2020. They made Hardik captain ahead of IPL 2024, replacing Rohit Sharma, but the results did not come.
Under Hardik, MI finished bottom of the IPL points table in 2024. After that, they qualified for playoffs in IPL 2025, winning eight out of 14 attempts in the league stage.
However, in Qualifier 2, Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings shattered the hopes, entering the final with a five-wicket victory.
Therefore, the onus will be on Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, among other senior campaigners, to turn the tide.
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