Will Hardik Pandya Play For Mumbai Indians Ever In IPL 2026? Official Statement Issued

Official statement on Hardik Pandya's MI comeback issued [Source: AFP]Mumbai Indians had a memorable game against Punjab Kings as they thumped the Shreyas Iyer-led outfit by six wickets at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. Hardik Pandya missed out on selection amid his struggles with a back injury, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the five-time champions for the first time in his career. The ace speedster captained the team to perfection, leading them to their fourth win this season. However, after the game concluded, Shardul Thakur, who played a pivotal role in MI's dominant victory over PBKS, issued an official statement on Hardik Pandya's return to the playing XI. Injury or deliberate axing? Hardik Pandya's absence sparked rumoursHardik Pandya returned to the Mumbai Indians franchise following the franchise's historic trade with Gujarat Titans. The five-time champions made a significant amendment to their leadership group, replacing Rohit Sharma with Pandya as the captain. However, a move intended to ease the transition backfired on the Mumbai Indians. Besides letting the team down with modest returns, Hardik Pandya turned out to be a liability for the franchise, leading them to 22 defeats in 37 IPL matches as captain. His on-field decisions and strategies were repeatedly questioned, as Pandya faced heavy scrutiny for MI's persistent lean patch in IPL 2026. Also Read: Fresh Update Emerges On Hardik Pandya Trade After MI’s IPL 2026 EliminationTherefore, when a back spasm sidelined him from the tournament, fans speculated whether Mumbai Indians unofficially sacked the veteran allrounder, closing all doors for his comeback to the playing XI. In fact, Pandya reportedly unfollowed MI on Instagram and was spotted practising alone while his teammates travelled to Dharamsala for the PBKS clash. However, with rumours of his exit from the franchise rapidly gaining momentum, Shardul Thakur put an end to all speculations, hinting at Hardik Pandya's return for the next match against KKR. Hardik Pandya to make IPL comeback in MI Vs KKR, Shardul Thakur believesAfter scripting Mumbai Indians' emphatic win against Punjab Kings with a sensational four-wicket haul, Shardul Thakur issued a statement on Pandya's comeback to the MI playing XI. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Thakur revealed that Pandya has been out of MI's scheme of things due to the back injury. However, as the seasoned campaigner stated, Hardik Pandya has started training in the nets and might return to the playing XI for the upcoming fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders. "Hardik is injured, so he could not travel for a couple of games. He went to Raipur [for the game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 10], but could not play. He is training in Mumbai now, and I expect him to be back in Kolkata and play against the Kolkata Knight Riders next Wednesday. Players like them, we always miss the quality," Shardul said in the post-match press conference. Which player could make room for Hardik Pandya if he returns?If Hardik Pandya returns, he will likely replace Jasprit Bumrah as the Mumbai Indians captain against KKR. In such a scenario, young allrounder Raj Bawa might be left out of the playing XI, with Pandya being slotted in the Mumbai Indians' middle order. MI will cross swords against KKR in their 13th group-stage match at the iconic Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata on May 20. Also Read: CSK Pick Khaleel Ahmed’s Replacement For Remainder Of IPL 2026