The fitness concerns around Hardik Pandya continue to grow as the Mumbai Indians’ (MI) captain did not travel with the team to Dharamsala ahead of their IPL 2026 clash against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Wednesday. Meanwhile, MS Dhoni is likely to travel to Lucknow for their upcoming match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on 15 May.
Pandya has already missed the Mumbai Indians’ last two matches because of back spasms. While Dhoni didn’t feature in a single game for the franchise this season so far and was under a recovery period citing injury concerns. Reportedly, Hardik is under medical assessment in Mumbai.
Hardik’s injury still under assessment, Surya expected to join later
According to reports, Pandya’s injury is currently being monitored by the MI support staff in Mumbai. Even before the previous match, the skipper had linked up with the squad late but eventually did not play.
Hardik Pandya in action. (Photo Credit: PTI)
Despite growing discussions on social media, sources insist there is no major controversy surrounding his absence and that it is purely an injury-related matter. However, Pandya’s performances this season have also come under scrutiny. In eight matches, he has scored 146 runs and taken only four wickets.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav has also not travelled with the Mumbai Indians squad to Dharamsala. However, his absence is for personal reasons, as the India T20I captain has recently become a father.
Suryakumar Yadav to join Team MI later in Dharamshala due to personal reasons.
Suryakumar is expected to join the squad later before the match. Earlier as well, he had reached Raipur on the day of MI’s previous game after being allowed flexibility by the franchise management.
MS Dhoni is likely to travel for the Lucknow match
In positive news for Chennai Super Kings fans, MS Dhoni is expected to travel with the squad for their upcoming away game against Lucknow Super Giants on May 15.
Dhoni, who has been recovering from a calf injury, has travelled very little during IPL 2026 and has mostly stayed back in Chennai. He has accompanied the team for only two away matches so far, against Hyderabad and Mumbai.
MS Dhoni during CSK Roar 2026 event in Chennai. (Photo Credit: ANI)
CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed that Dhoni’s ticket has already been booked on an IndiGo commercial flight along with the rest of the CSK squad. The franchise remains hopeful that the legendary wicketkeeper-batter will make the trip unless there is a last-minute change.
