IPL 2026: Why has Hardik Pandya not Travelled to Raipur with Mumbai Indians?

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya hasn't travelled with the squad to Raipur for their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 10, dealing another blow to the struggling franchise.

According to reports, the MI team assembled at Mumbai’s Terminal 1 on Wednesday afternoon (May 6), but the all-rounder was notably absent. The franchise has confirmed that Pandya is sidelined due to a back spasm, the same issue that kept him out of Monday’s high-scoring win over Lucknow Super Giants. Stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav led MI to a thrilling six-wicket victory in that game, chasing down 229.

Ryan Rickelton, who opened the batting in the LSG match, had expressed hope that Pandya would rejoin the squad for the Raipur trip. However, latest updates indicate there is “no immediate sign” of the skipper linking up with the team in Chhattisgarh.

IPL 2026: Why has Hardik Pandya not travelled to Raipur?

Pandya’s absence comes at a critical juncture for Mumbai Indians, who sit ninth on the points table with just three wins from 10 matches. Playoff qualification looks increasingly difficult. The 31-year-old has had a modest season so far, 146 runs and four wickets, drawing criticism from fans over both form and leadership. Yet MI management has reiterated that his captaincy remains secure and the issue is purely medical.

Hardik Pandya's captaincy has been hugely questioned so far this season, as MI are struggling in the points table. The MI captain not travelling to Raipur has heightened harder questions, as many have speculated a disoriented atmosphere within the team.

With Suryakumar Yadav once again expected to lead in Raipur, all eyes will be on how the team copes without its regular captain. The high-stakes clash at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium could prove decisive for MI’s slim playoff hopes and Pandya’s immediate future with the franchise.