Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya is set to travel to Raipur on Thursday night to rejoin his teammates as the five-time IPL champions prepare for a must-win encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Sunday, May 10, at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium.
Pandya missed MI's recent home game against Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium due to back spasms. While there is no official confirmation yet on his participation in the Raipur fixture, he is progressing well in his recovery.
Pandya has booked his flight for later on Thursday and will travel alongside remaining Mumbai Indians squad members. The team is scheduled to hold a full training session at the venue on Friday. Pandya is expected to participate
in net sessions, after which the medical team will assess his fitness and decide on his availability for the Sunday match.
The injury is described as manageable, with expectations that Pandya could return to full duties soon, even if he sits out this particular game.
Team's Mid-Season Outlook
The Mumbai Indians camp is reportedly disappointed with the team's performance so far in IPL 2026. However, no decisions on leadership or squad changes will be made mid-season. Any reviews or adjustments are expected only after the tournament concludes.
Suryakumar Yadav's Personal Milestone
Vice-captain Suryakumar Yadav, who led the side in Pandya's absence during the May 4 victory over Lucknow Super Giants, has welcomed a baby girl with his wife Devisha Shetty. The MI management has left the decision on his participation entirely to the player, prioritizing his mental readiness and family commitments. Nothing is confirmed at this stage regarding his availability for the RCB match.
The RCB vs MI contest in Raipur holds significance for both sides in the latter stages of the league phase. MI will look to build on their recent win and climb the points table. The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium is known for offering balanced conditions.
Pandya's fitness and leadership will be key if he features, as the team navigates injuries and form concerns in a challenging season. Fans await the final call from the medical team following Friday's training.
