Hardik Pandya set to rejoin MI camp ahead of RCB clash but availability still uncertain: Report

By Sandy Verma On May 7, 2026

Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya is set to rejoin the Mumbai Indians camp ahead of their crucial IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

As reported by Cricbuzz, the all-rounder is expected to travel to Raipur on Thursday night along with a few other members of the MI squad.

Although there is still no official confirmation regarding his availability for the upcoming clash against RCB, sources inside the MI camp have suggested that the Indian all-rounder is recovering well from the back spasms that kept him out of the previous game.

Hardik Pandya likely to train with Mumbai Indians squad before RCB clash

MI are scheduled to hold a full training session in Raipur before the encounter. The report further stated that Hardik will train in the nets on Friday following which the medical team will take a final decision on his participation.

A source from the MI camp also mentioned that the call regarding Hardik’s fitness will completely depend on the franchise’s medical team led by Nitin Patel.

“It is up to Nitin Patel and the medical team.”

MI waiting over Hardik Pandya’s fitness amid disappointing campaign

Hardik Pandya had missed MI’s previous clash against Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium after suffering back spasms during the earlier match against Chennai Super Kings. In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav led the side.

Mumbai Indians are currently placed second from bottom on the IPL 2026 points table with just three wins in seven games. Although they are still not officially out of the playoff race, their qualification chances look extremely slim after a disappointing campaign so far.

The pressure has also continued to mount on Hardik Pandya, who has struggled both as captain and all-rounder this season. In nine matches so far, the MI skipper has scored only 146 runs with a highest score of 41.

His strike rate has also remained under scrutiny, hovering around 136 despite being regarded as one of the most explosive finishers in T20 cricket.

The story has been quite similar with the ball as well. Hardik has managed only nine wickets in nine matches and has often looked expensive during crucial phases of the innings.