![Hardik Pandya's availability for MI vs PBKS clash questioned [Source: AP, X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1778592728120_FansspeculateHardikPandyatomissMIvsPBKSgameinIPL2026.jpg?type=hq)
Hardik Pandya's availability for MI vs PBKS clash questioned [Source: AP, X]
In the latest development, the Mumbai Indians squad arrived in Dharamsala for the next IPL 2026 game against the Punjab Kings, scheduled on May 14. However, captain Hardik Pandya was missing, raising speculations over his availability for the clash.
MI, already out of the playoff race, will pace PBKS at Dharamsala in a bid to fight for their pride as five-time champions. However, their skipper decided against travelling with the team in an unexpected move.
Fans fear Hardik Pandya will miss the MI vs PBKS clash
For context, Hardik Pandya missed the previous two clashes in IPL 2026 against LSG and RCB due to a back spasm. Suryakumar Yadav filled in for him as the stand-in captain.
However, as the Mumbai Indians headed to Dharamsala, Pandya apparently decided not to travel with the team and stay behind in Mumbai. Even in MI’s social media posts, Hardik was not seen anywhere.
This latest move has left Mumbai Indians fans confused as they fear Hardik Pandya will most likely miss the upcoming clash against PBKS as well.
Social media was filled with mixed reactions. While some slammed Hardik for not prioritising the franchise and his professional duties, a few sensed something fishy brewing inside the dressing room.
Also Read - Hardik Pandya To Be Sacked As Captain? Mumbai Indians' Stance Revealed
Feud rumours emerge amid Hardik Pandya’s absence
Having said that, not all is apparently well inside the Mumbai Indians dressing room. According to unverified rumours, Hardik Pandya had a rift with the franchise after the BCCI issued an advisory to restrict the access of players’ girlfriends to team affairs.
To add fuel to the rift rumours, Hardik Pandya allegedly unfollowed the Mumbai Indians’ page on Instagram and also deleted all the IPL-related posts.
However, the situation changed quickly when fans noticed that MI had reappeared in Hardik’s following list within minutes.
But the timing of Pandya’s absence from the team has only given rise to wild fan theories. Many also believe that Hardik Pandya could soon be sacked or leave the team amid growing concerns over his troublesome off-field behaviour and lack of impact as captain on-field.
MI come clean on Hardik’s injury
That being said, to clear the air, Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed that captain Hardik Pandya has been struggling with a back issue ahead of MI’s recent IPL 2026 matches.
According to Jayawardene, Hardik had not been able to train properly for the last few days because the discomfort hadn’t settled in yet.
As a result, MI’s medical staff continued working on his recovery, but the franchise ultimately chose not to risk playing Hardik Pandya without complete clarity over his fitness.
Importantly, Jayawardene suggested the injury is not being treated as a long-term setback at the moment. He described the situation as day-to-day, meaning the Mumbai Indians will continue monitoring Hardik’s condition before making any decision on his return.
Also Read - Why Gujarat Titans Players Are Wearing Lavender Jersey In IPL 2026 Match Vs SRH
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