IPL 2026: Why is Hardik Pandya not in Mumbai Indians’ playing XI against Lucknow Super Giants?

Hardik Pandya missed Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2026 encounter against the Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday.

Suryakumar Yadav walked out for the toss in Hardik’s absence and informed that the regular captain had taken ill ahead of the bottom-of-the-table clash. MI later confirmed that Hardik was suffering with back spasms.

MI has had a disappointing start to the IPL season, and currently sits in ninth place with four points, level with bottom-placed LSG.

WATCH THE IPL 2026 LIVE:MI VS LSG

Hardik, too, has had a lean season with both bat and ball. He has scored 146 runs in eight innings at an average of 20.85 and strike rate of 136.44.

He has also picked just four wickets in his eight matches.

Published on May 04, 2026