Hardik Pandya Missing From Mumbai Indians Squad Travel, Sparks Major Speculation

Reports suggest that Hardik Pandya is currently not travelling with the Mumbai Indians squad, raising fresh concerns about his availability in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 season. The all-rounder and team captain had already missed Mumbai’s previous match against the Lucknow Super Giants on May 4 due to back spasms, and while the issue was initially not considered serious, his continued absence has sparked speculation. As the team departed for their next fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur, Pandya was reportedly not seen with the squad at the airport. There is still no official confirmation on whether he will join the team later or remain sidelined for a longer period. This uncertainty has added to growing questions about his fitness and overall condition. Pandya’s performance this season has also been under scrutiny. In eight matches, he has managed only 146 runs at a strike rate of 136.45, which is below expectations for a player of his caliber. His impact with the ball has also been limited, further contributing to Mumbai Indians’ struggles. The team currently sits near the bottom of the points table, having won just three out of ten matches in what has been a disappointing campaign. In Pandya’s absence, Suryakumar Yadav stepped in as captain for the previous match. Meanwhile, teammate Ryan Rickelton admitted that even players are unclear about the severity of Pandya’s condition, suggesting limited information within the squad itself. Mumbai Indians’ difficulties this season are also linked to a major leadership change. The decision to replace Rohit Sharma with Pandya as captain was intended to mark a new phase for the franchise. However, the transition has not gone smoothly. While Rohit’s tenure brought stability and success, the current season has seen inconsistency and a lack of direction on the field. With senior players like Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav also part of the squad, expectations were high. But the team’s performance has fallen short, and Pandya’s uncertain status only adds to the challenges ahead.