Mumbai Indians are preparing for a crucial IPL clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 10 in Raipur, with skipper Hardik Pandya expected to return
after missing the previous match against Lucknow Super Giants due to a back spasm.
Pandya is set to resume captaincy in what is effectively a must-win game against the Rajat Patidar-led RCB side at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, where Mumbai Indians must secure victory to keep faint playoff hopes alive.
IPL 2026: Hardik Pandya Travel Plans
A large first group of Mumbai Indians players and support staff travelled from Mumbai to Raipur on Wednesday without Hardik Pandya, with the franchise deciding to send the squad in phases because of limited flight options between the two cities.
There is a five-day break between Mumbai Indians' last outing on May 4 against Lucknow Super Giants and the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 10, so the team management has staggered departures, and the contingent that flew on Wednesday will not train on Thursday.
How Many Games Hardik Pandya Has Missed This Season?
Pandya had already sat out the May 4 fixture in Lucknow, where Suryakumar Yadav captained the side, after a team source said the all-rounder was advised to rest because the back issue was considered minor rather than a long-term concern.
Across this IPL season, Hardik Pandya has now missed two games for health reasons, and team staff will still monitor how Pandya responds as the Raipur meeting with defending champions RCB approaches, given the importance of the upcoming contest.
With seven defeats and only three wins, Mumbai Indians sit ninth in the points table and must win every remaining league match to stay in the race for a playoff spot, leaving little room for further injury worries or selection disruptions.
'I Don't Know': Ryan Rickelton On Hardik Pandya Injury
Opening batter Ryan Rickelton, speaking after the loss to Lucknow Super Giants, said details about the captain's condition were still unclear in the dressing room, even though Rickelton expected Pandya to link up with the travelling squad during this week in Raipur.
"I don't know when he's expected to be back. I only found out this afternoon that he had back spasms. I'm unaware of the extent of it or how bad it is or what he's feeling. But I'm sure he'll be back with the group as we head to Raipur this week," Rickelton said.
