IPL 2026: Big blow for Mumbai Indians as Hardik Pandya not travelling to Raipur for RCB clash

The Mumbai Indians face a serious obstacle before their vital IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru because their captain Hardik Pandya will not travel with the team to Raipur. The development has raised serious doubts over his availability for one of MI’s most important matches of the season.

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The Mumbai Indians squad arrived at Mumbai international airport to begin their journey to Raipur, but Pandya was absent from the group. The all-rounder has not yet made any decisions about joining the team before their upcoming match against RCB.

Hardik Pandya misses trip ahead of crucial Royal Challengers Bengaluru encounter

Back spasms had already forced Hardik to miss Mumbai Indians' last match which they played against Lucknow Super Giants. The team achieved a crucial six-wicket victory after Suryakumar Yadav took over as captain during his absence from the match. The franchise announced Hardik's illness first then they confirmed back spasm problems which the India all-rounder actually faced.

Mumbai Indians show caution about their skipper's recovery because they want him back before their important tournament matches start. The all-rounder has now missed multiple matches this season which includes an earlier fixture against Delhi Capitals and this situation makes MI's campaign more difficult.

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Uncertainty grows over MI skipper’s availability as team heads to Raipur

Mumbai Indians face difficulties in their playoff race because they lack information about Hardik's health status. The five-time champions have endured a disappointing campaign and currently remain near the bottom half of the IPL 2026 points table.

MI needs to win all their remaining matches after their recent victory against Lucknow Super Giants because that is the only way they can keep their playoff hopes alive. Hardik's absence from the team will create a major challenge because he contributes significantly to the team's batting and bowling needs. RCB enters the match with positive momentum because they currently stand as one of the best teams in the league this season.

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The match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur will be led by Suryakumar Yadav if Hardik Pandya cannot recover before the match. Mumbai Indians must find a new team structure because they need to prepare for the critical phase of the tournament.

The franchise requires their captain to recover quickly because all upcoming matches have become essential to win. The upcoming match against RCB will be critical to determining the outcome of Mumbai Indians' IPL 2026 season.

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