Will Hardik Pandya play tonight's KKR vs MI clash of IPL 2026?
(Courtesy : BCCI/IPL)
Hardik Pandya missed MI’s last few games in IPL 2026 due to back spasm.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are all set to host Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League 2026 tonight. The match between the two teams will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday, May 20.
KKR are very much alive in IPL 2026 and a win here against MI would keep them in the hunt for one playoff spot. After having a terrible start to their campaign, they made a sensational comeback and won five out of their last six games.
The Ajinkya Rahane-led side is sitting at the eighth spot in points table, and if they win tonight’s clash, they will move to sixth spot on points table. However, if they lose the game, it would be curtains for them in the league.
On the other hand, MI have been eliminated from the tournament. They take the ninth spot in the points table with just four wins and eight losses out of 12 games so far.
MI have missed the services of their captain Hardik Pandya since the last few games. The all-rounder has been dealing with back spasm. In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah captained the side, and with KKR vs MI clash around the corner, question remains about Pandya’s availability.
Will Hardik Pandya play in KKR vs MI match of IPL 2026?
Hardik Pandya is expected to make a comeback against KKR tonight. The MI skipper travelled with the squad to Kolkata and was seen training as well with the team.
The all-rounder recently posted videos of himself undergoing intense training sessions in Mumbai. If he plays, he would have a point to prove as he has struggled to make a mark as captain, batter and bowler. Also, there have been lot of rumours related to his trade before IPL 2027, which he might want to put at rest tonight.
In eight games so far, he has scored 146 runs at a strike rate of 136.44, failing to hit any fifty. With the ball, he has clinched only 4 wickets at an economy of 11.90.
Will Hardik Pandya play in the KKR vs MI clash?
Pandya is likely to play the encounter.
Who captained Mumbai Indians in their last game?
Jasprit Bumrah captained Mumbai Indians in their last game.
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Ankitjit Singh is a dedicated sports journalist whose childhood dream was to play cricket—now, he serves the game through his work. With over three years of experience in reporting, writing, and editing, he brings deep insight to his coverage. A journalism graduate from Delhi University, Ankitjit’s passion for cricket took root during his college days and continues to drive his career.