The drama around the Mumbai Indians and Hardik Pandya is becoming more interesting with every passing day in the ongoing IPL 2026. After crashing out of the playoff race, the Mumbai Indians are now dealing with fresh drama surrounding captain Hardik Pandya’s fitness.
Hardik has not been traveling with the MI squad for the last few matches, which sparked massive speculation among the fans on social media. Some media reports suggested that the Indian all-rounder is currently struggling with back spasms, but a viral video showing him training in Mumbai sparked confusion and doubts over the possible rift between him and the franchise.
Corbin Bosch confirms Mumbai Indians missing Hardik Pandya amid injury drama in IPL 2026
Amid all the noise and speculation, MI all-rounder Corbin Bosch has opened up about Hardik Pandya’s absence from the last four matches in the ongoing IPL 2025.
Ahead of MI’s clash against Punjab Kings on May 14 in Dharamshala, Bosch admitted that the five-time IPL champions have definitely missed Hardik badly, as his impact is not limited to captaincy, but he also brings energy, balance, and confidence to the team.
At the same time, the South African player made it clear that the decision regarding Hardik Pandya’s return is completely in the hands of the medical staff and team management.
A little bit above my pay grade: Corbin Bosch on Hardik Pandya’s absence
Corbin Bosch said at the pre-match press conference as quoted by Times of India, “Hardik is not only a leader but also a fantastic cricketer. We’ve missed his presence when it comes to the on-field stuff.”
“I’m sure the people that are making decisions and the people that are looking after him are trying to do the best for him and for the team itself. So, it has been tricky, but at the same time the game does move forward, and we still need to play good cricket.”
He avoided giving more details when he was asked about the reason behind the captain’s absence. Bosch stressed, “A little bit above my pay grade, but I think whoever is making decisions, the physios and the management, know a little bit more than I do.”
Corbin Bosch admits Mumbai Indians completely failed in IPL 2026
The Mumbai Indians all-rounder also honestly spoke about the team’s disappointing IPL 2026 season, saying they never really managed to click together as a complete unit, and that’s one of the biggest reasons behind their early elimination. They managed to win only three of their 11 games so far.
Bosch noted, “I think we just haven’t played a complete game. One day the bowlers will do well and then the batters may struggle, or the batters do well, then the bowlers struggle. Ultimately, it is all about the key moments, and we just haven’t won them enough this year.”
The Proteas stars also admitted that MI’s sloppy fielding is another major issue for them this season. He signed off by saying, “Dropping crucial chances at crucial stages of matches have swung the game in the opposite direction and not in our favor. So, it’s a multitude of things.”
