Injury Blow: Hardik Pandya sidelined for Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore showdown in Raipur

Mumbai Indians Captain Hardik Pandya Ruled Out of IPL 2026 Clash Against Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Mumbai Indians faced a setback as their captain, Hardik Pandya, was ruled out of the IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur on Sunday. The franchise's medical team did not clear Pandya to take the field for the crucial match.

In Pandya's absence, Suryakumar Yadav took on the role of captain for Mumbai Indians. Despite the pressure surrounding the game, Yadav expressed confidence in his team's ability, stating, "We are pretty confident to bat first. Big ground, black soil wicket, and runs on the board will always put pressure on the other team."

Speaking at the toss, Yadav mentioned that Mumbai Indians were sticking with the same team and were focused on improving their bowling performance. Although they lost the toss and were put into bat by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Yadav remained optimistic about their chances.

This was the third match that Pandya had to sit out during IPL 2026, with fitness issues plaguing the all-rounder. His absence comes at a critical stage for Mumbai Indians as they strive to stay in the playoff race. Pandya's underwhelming performance in the tournament, scoring only 146 runs in 11 matches and picking up four wickets, has added to the team's challenges.

Mumbai Indians had previously attributed Pandya's absence in the last game against Lucknow Super Giants to illness and back spasms. Suryakumar Yadav had also led the team in that match, showcasing his leadership skills and contributing with a significant score.

As the competition intensifies in IPL 2026, stay updated on the latest sports news, including cricket, football, chess, and more. Get real-time live cricket score updates and comprehensive coverage of ongoing matches to catch all the action as it unfolds.