IPL 2026: Hardik Pandya fit to lead MI against Rajasthan Royals

Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya is set to return for their upcoming clash against Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday, April 7, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Hardik missed MI’s previous game against Delhi Capitals, where Suryakumar Yadav led the side.

The five-time champions suffered a six-wicket defeat in that match, with Delhi’s Sameer Rizvi stealing the show by smashing 90 runs off 51 balls to secure DC’s second win of the season. Ahead of MI’s third fixture, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey confirmed Hardik’s availability, offering a timely boost for the team as they look to bounce back strongly in the IPL 2026 campaign.

“Hardik Pandya will be available for tomorrow’s game. He wasn’t injured, he was unwell. He is fit and fine now,” said Mhambrey as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Mumbai Indians began their IPL 2026 campaign on a high, defeating Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets at Wankhede Stadium. KKR posted 220/4 in 20 overs, with captain Ajinkya Rahane scoring 67 off 40 balls and youngster Angkrish Raghuvanshi adding 51 off 29. Shardul Thakur was MI’s standout bowler, claiming 3/39. In reply, MI chased down the target in 19.1 overs, finishing at 224/4. Ryan Rickelton struck 81 off 43 balls, while Rohit Sharma smashed 78 off 38, the duo stitching a 148-run opening stand in just 71 balls.

However, their momentum faltered in the second game against Delhi Capitals. Batting first, MI managed 162/6 in 20 overs, with stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav top-scoring with 51 off 36 balls. The rest of the batting lineup failed to make significant contributions. DC’s Mukesh Kumar impressed with figures of 2/26 in three overs. Chasing, DC reached 164/4 in 18.1 overs, powered by Sameer Rizvi’s explosive 90 off 51 balls.

With one win and one loss, MI currently sit sixth on the points table with two points. They will aim to bounce back strongly and secure their second victory when they face Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday in Guwahati.