Why is Hardik Pandya not playing RCB vs MI clash of IPL 2026?
Hardik Pandya also missed MI’s previous game against LSG.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are squaring off with Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 54th match of the Indian Premier League 2026, which is taking place at Shaheed Veer Narayan International Stadium in Raipur on May 10.
While RCB take the 4th spot in the points table and among the favourites to make it to the playoffs, MI are on the brink of Elimination. Mumbai are placed ninth in the points table, and another defeat could end their hopes of qualifying for the top four.
In the 54th match of IPL 2026, RCB have won the toss and opted to field first. Notably, MI‘s regular captain Hardik Pandya is not part of the clash. He also missed the previous game against Lucknow Super Giants. Suryakumar Yadav is captaining MI in Pandya’s absence.
Why is Hardik Pandya not leading MI against RCB?
Hardik Pandya has not recovered from his back spasms. Due to this problem, he also missed the last match. Pandya’s participation in the RCB vs MI game was doubtful from the start.
Although he joined his teammates in Raipur a few days before the match, the management clarified that his availability will depend on the MI medical team’s advice.
In a media statement issued a day before the match, the team announced that the medical team is still monitoring him closely. Therefore, it looks like the medical team has not given him clearance to take the field in the clash against RCB.
Speaking at the toss, Suryakumar Yadav said, “We are pretty confident to bat first. Big ground, black soil wicket and runs on the board will always be pressure on the other team. We are going with the same team. We have always had a good chat around the bowling. It’s harsh on the bowlers. We keep trying to improve and get better each day”.
Meanwhile, Pandya has struggled with his form in IPL 2026. In eight games so far, he has scored 146 runs at a strike rate of 136.44, failing to hammer any fifty. With the ball, he has clinched four wickets at an economy of 11.90.
Why is Hardik Pandya not part of the RCB vs MI clash?
Pandya has not recovered from his back spasms.
Who is leading MI in the clash against RCB?
Suryakumar Yadav is captaining the side in the encounter.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.