The Mumbai Indians are yet to update on the availability of their skipper Hardik Pandya, and the medical team is to make the final call ahead of their clash against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed his availability for the next game.
The Mumbai Indians have played ten matches in this season of the competition and have only managed to win three matches. However, the team has also lost seven matches in a row. They have not yet been officially eliminated from the competition.
Ryan Rickelton has been their best batter on show, and with Rohit Sharma’s return the team has now found some solid balance. However, the bowling deck has not yet managed to settle on some good performances, as Jasprit Bumrah is on the verge of ending his worst ever season in the IPL.
Suryakumar Yadav confirms his availability against RCB.
Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian T20I skipper’s stance as the captain of the national team has already been under the scanner. However, amid all this, he has been blessed with a baby girl, and hence, the cricketer took some time off, citing personal reasons.
He did not travel with the Mumbai squad to Raipur for their upcoming fixture against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, he has made himself available for the upcoming clash and might step in as their skipper if Hardik Pandya misses out on the next match.
BREAKING: Suryakumar Yadav is available for RCB game tomorrow. The new dad, and India T20I skipper, confirmed availability to the team; is expected to reach Raipur soon. Whether he will lead MI will depend on medical team’s assessment of Hardik Pandya. More on @Cricbuzz
— Vijay Tagore (@vijaymirror) May 9, 2026
Hardik Pandya to undergo fitness assessment in Raipur; MI medical team to decide on his availability
Hardik Pandya missed the last game against the Lucknow Super Giants due to illness. Though the Mumbai Indians did not report it as an injury, he was later reported to struggle with some back spasms.
He was replaced by Suryakumar Yadav, who broke their losing streak in the IPL and saved them from an early elimination in the contest. Hardik Pandya flew to Raipur separately after the Mumbai Indians and joined them later.
He is now likely to undergo some fitness tests and is then likely to train alongside the Mumbai Indians team. After this, a decision on his availability shall be made by the MI medical team.
Mumbai Indians’ slightest chances of qualification into the IPL playoffs
The path to the playoffs for the Mumbai Indians is nearly impossible. Mumbai will have to win all their remaining matches, and that would take them to 14 points from the current situation. This would surely help the MI side rise in the points table, but a playoff spot is highly unlikely.
One team has already cleared the 14-run mark, while Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers, Gujarat Titans, and Rajasthan Royals are just one win away from the mark. Hence, the number of coincidences needed for MI’s qualification seems highly unlikely.
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