IPL 2026: Fresh updates arrive on Hardik Pandya ahead of RR vs MI clash

When Suryakumar Yadav said Hardik Pandya "doesn't look good", it sounded alarming for the Mumbai Indians (MI) as Pandya is not only their captain, but also a pivot between their batting and bowling departments. With Hardik Pandya on the field, Delhi Capitals (DC) defeated MI on April 4 with ease.

When will Pandya be able to play for MI again in the ongoing IPL 2026? The Times of India reported that Pandya missed the match against Delhi because of a viral infection, and is expected to return soon, as the matter is not alarming enough as it was initially assumed.

Why did Hardik Pandya miss the DC vs MI IPL 2026?

Ahead of the DC vs MI match yesterday, it was reported that the pace-bowling all-rounder was not present in the practice sessions. For the match number 8 of the IPL 2026 season, the Mumbai Indians arranged two training sessions for preparations, and Hardik was reportedly missing both.

During the toss, it was Suryakumar Yadav, who walked into the ground as the stand-in captain, who mentioned that Pandya did not look good enough to play the match. “He's not well, doesn't look good, so he was not fit for today's game. So, just getting into his shoes today,” Yadav said at the toss.

When will Pandya return to play for the Mumbai Indians

What actually happened with Pandya? Were there any injuries or fitness-related issues? The question remained even after the match, as Yadav did not mention the reasons behind Pandya’s absence clearly.

The latest media report suggested that Hardik Pandya missed the match because of a viral, and is expected to return with the Mumbai Indians again in the tournament on April 7, when the 5-time IPL champions will be up against the Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. It will be Mi’s third match of the ongoing campaign.

It is further informed that the 32-year-old has travelled with the rest of the team after the Delhi match and will start training again ahead of the RR vs MI match.  

Read More: IPL 2026: Major updates on MS Dhoni and Dewald Brevis, CSK could change playing XI vs RCB

“Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya missed the clash against the Delhi Daredevils due to a viral, but he is set to return for the five-time champions' away clash against the Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on Tuesday. Pandya travelled with the rest of the team right after the afternoon game in Delhi, and will resume training after staying away from action for the last few days,” TOI reported.

A below per display by MI against the Delhi Capitals

Mumbai Indians kicked off their IPL 2026 journey in style by defeating the Kolkata Knight Riders by a huge margin at the Wankhede Stadium. Stakes were high when they went face Delhi Capitals on Saturday afternoon, though the result did not come according to their expectations as DC, the home team, outplayed the former league champions in all departments.

Supported by Suryakumar Yadav’s half-century, MI managed to put a decent total of 162 in 20 overs, which DC chased down successfully in exchange for only 4 wickets and 11 balls to spare. DC youngster Sameer Rizvi’s 90-run knock took the momentum away from Mumbai completely.