Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya did not play the match against Delhi Capitals on Saturday due to health concerns, and the team suffered a setback, losing by 6 wickets.
This meant MI could not continue their winning momentum after breaking their opening-match jinx with a victory over Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29. Now, ahead of MI's clash against Rajasthan Royals at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, April 7, in Indian Preimer League 2026 Match 13, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey has confirmed that Pandya is fit and ready to return. "He will be available. He had a good couple of hours in the nets yesterday. He is fit and fine," Mhambrey said in the pre-match press conference.
The coach also clarified that Pandya was not injured but unwell, which led to him missing the previous match. "Just to clarify, Hardik wasn't injured, he was unwell, that's why he missed the game," he added. However, reports from Cricbuzz suggested that Pandya was not spotted during training sessions on Monday, raising concerns despite the positive update from the team management.
MI Without Hardik Pandya
Suryakumar Yadav stepped in as captain in Pandya's absence during the match against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. DC skipper Axar Patel won the toss and opted to field first. Mumbai Indians managed to post only 162/6, struggling against disciplined bowling from the Delhi Capitals attack. Stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav top-scored with 51 off 36 balls, the only half-century of their innings.
Ryan Rickelton got off to a quick start with two boundaries but was dismissed for 9 off 11 balls. Rohit Sharma smashed 35 off 26, while Tilak Varma departed for a duck. Delhi Capitals comfortably chased down the target in 18.1 overs handing MI a 6-wicket defeat.
MI With Pandya
In their campaign opener against Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians chased down a massive total of 224 runs to win by 6 wickets. Hardik Pandya played a handy knock of 18 off 11 balls and also picked up a wicket, sealing a winning start for MI for the 2026 IPL season.