Hardik Pandya appears set for a return as five-time champions Mumbai Indians prepare to take on Rajasthan Royals in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match here on Tuesday, with the all-rounder resuming training after missing the previous match against Delhi Capitals.
Pandya had sat out MI’s last outing due to illness, with stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav confirming at the toss that he was “unwell”. His absence forced the team management to tweak the playing combination, bringing in Deepak Chahar and Corbin Bosch, while Trent Boult made way to maintain the overseas player balance.
However, there were encouraging signs for Mumbai as Pandya returned to the nets here on Sunday night. The MI skipper looked in good rhythm during the session, raising hopes of his availability for the upcoming clash.
After completing his warm-up, Pandya began with a bowling session, working on his yorkers with pace and precision in an empty net. During the session, he shared insight into his preparation with team physiotherapist Nitin Patel, saying, “If yorkers you can land means the other balls are much more easier”.
He later spent time with the bat under the watchful eye of batting coach Kieron Pollard. Pandya struck the ball cleanly, consistently finding the middle of the bat, with the quality of his timing drawing visible approval from Pollard.
Pandya had made a useful contribution in MI’s opening match of the season against Kolkata Knight Riders, returning figures of 1 for 39 with the ball and scoring an unbeaten 18 off 11 deliveries to help his side secure a six-wicket win. His absence in the following game, however, was felt as Mumbai went down to Delhi Capitals in Saturday’s afternoon match in the national capital.
With the all-rounder now back in training and showing no visible discomfort, MI will be hopeful of having their skipper back on the field as they look to regain momentum in the tournament.