Is Hardik Pandya Really Injured? MI Captain’s Intense Late-Night Net Session Sparks Questions

Questions around Hardik Pandya's fitness have intensified after the Mumbai Indians captain shared videos of an intense late-night net session despite reportedly being sidelined with back spasms.

The MI skipper has missed the franchise's last two IPL 2026 matches, including the crucial defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru that officially ended Mumbai's playoff hopes. However, his latest training footage has now sparked fresh speculation over the seriousness of the injury.

Hardik Pandya trains alone ahead of PBKS clash

Hardik posted multiple videos on Instagram showing himself batting aggressively during a solo late-night training session at a Reliance facility.

The all-rounder appeared completely comfortable while facing pace bowlers and showed no visible signs of discomfort or restricted movement during the session.

In the clips, Hardik was seen attacking bowlers freely, timing big shots cleanly and moving fluidly at the crease despite Mumbai Indians earlier confirming he had been struggling with back spasms.

The timing of the session has naturally raised questions among fans, especially because Hardik did not travel with the initial MI squad to Dharamsala for their upcoming clash against Punjab Kings.

Hardik Pandya has missed two matches due to back spasms

Mumbai Indians have officially maintained that Hardik has been unavailable because of a back issue.

The MI captain last featured during Mumbai's 'El Clasico' defeat against Chennai Super Kings on May 2 before missing consecutive matches afterward.

Following the loss to RCB, Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene explained the franchise was being cautious with Hardik's recovery.

"Hardik had a back issue which we were trying to rectify, but it hasn't settled in yet."

Jayawardene also confirmed Hardik had been unable to train fully over the previous few days.

"He couldn't train the last few days, so we didn't want to take a risk without knowing exactly. So we'll see. It's on a day-to-day basis."

Fans question timing of Hardik Pandya return

The latest training footage has immediately triggered online debate around Hardik's availability.

Some fans questioned whether the injury situation had been exaggerated, while others interpreted the session as a clear sign the all-rounder is preparing for a return against Punjab Kings.

The speculation also arrives amid growing external noise surrounding Hardik's relationship with Mumbai Indians after reports of social media activity involving the franchise recently went viral.

Despite MI's disappointing IPL 2026 campaign, Hardik's late-night training session suggests the all-rounder remains determined to return before the end of the season.

Mumbai Indians already eliminated from IPL 2026 playoffs

Mumbai Indians' campaign effectively collapsed after their dramatic final-ball loss to RCB in Raipur.

The five-time champions currently sit near the bottom of the table with only six points from 11 matches, marking one of the franchise's worst IPL seasons in recent years.

Hardik's first full season as Mumbai captain has faced constant scrutiny amid inconsistent performances, leadership criticism and injury interruptions.

Now eliminated from playoff contention, several former cricketers - including Sunil Gavaskar - have urged Mumbai Indians to use the remaining matches to test younger players and begin planning for the future.

Could Hardik Pandya return vs Punjab Kings?

At the moment, Mumbai Indians have still not officially confirmed Hardik Pandya's availability for the Punjab Kings clash.

However, based on the intensity of his latest batting session, the MI captain appears significantly closer to returning than earlier expected.

Whether Mumbai risk him immediately or continue monitoring the back issue carefully remains to be seen, but one thing is certain - Hardik's late-night net session has now become one of the biggest talking points around Mumbai Indians ahead of the final phase of IPL 2026.