Will Hardik Pandya play tonight in RR vs MI clash of IPL 2026?

Hardik Pandya missed Mumbai Indians’ last game against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) is scheduled for April 7, 2026, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. MI have had a mixed record going into the game, having won one of their previous two games and lost the other.

RR, on the other hand, are now in second place on the IPL 2026 points table after winning both of their games.

MI started their IPL 2026 by winning their first game of the tournament against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), where a tremendous batting show saw them chasing down a target of 200-plus runs with ease.

However, they were defeated by the Delhi Capitals (DC) in their second IPL 2026 match. MI, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, battled in their maiden away encounter of the ongoing tournament at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Sameer Rizvi, in top form, featured with a scorching 90 to lead DC to a comfortable chase of 162/4.

Notably, Hardik Pandya, the regular MI captain, missed the match against Delhi as he was unwell and was advised to rest. This raises a huge question about his availability for the important tie against the RR.

Will Hardik Pandya play in RR vs MI clash of IPL 2026?

Hardik Pandya had played for MI in the first game of the franchise against KKR; however, he missed the DC game in Delhi after falling unwell due to an illness. However, it was a hearty sight for MI fans as Hardik Pandya returned to the nets in Guwahati on Sunday night ahead of the game against RR on Tuesday.

As MI seek a return to winning ways, MI bowling coach Paras Mhambrey has shed light on Hardik Pandya’s chances of playing against RR.

“To answer your first question, he will be available. We had a good couple of hours of net session yesterday, so he is fit and fine,” said Mhambrey, talking to reporters about Hardik Pandya, during the pre-match presser.

Speaking about how MI can function without Hardik, Mhambrey backed the MI team’s ability to function successfully under various circumstances, even in the absence of their captain.

“I think that’s something that you will have to take. Injuries are something that you can’t control, but I think we got the team we got enough guys out there to make the mix and match and looking at the surface combinations, but yeah, I think we got enough guys to look around kind of,” said Mhambrey.

The MI skipper has scored 506 runs in 16 games against RR with an average of 72.29 and a strike-rate of 173.29. He has picked up 12 wickets as well.

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