Mumbai Indians fans received an encouraging update before their IPL 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals. The franchise captain Hardik Pandya batting in the nets, raising hopes that he could return to the playing XI soon.
Pandya missed Mumbai Indians’ previous match due to illness, and his fitness has been closely watched by fans ahead of the upcoming away game in Guwahati.
Hardik Pandya seen batting in the nets
Mumbai Indians recently posted Hardik Pandya practicing in the nets. The clip quickly gained attention among fans, as it suggested the all-rounder is working toward full fitness.
Pandya is an important player for MI because he contributes with both bat and ball. His return could strengthen the team’s balance ahead of the next match.
Pandya training update
| Activity | Status |
|---|---|
| Net practice | Completed |
| Team travel | Joined squad |
| Match availability | Awaiting final fitness clearance |
The practice session has increased optimism that Pandya could feature in the upcoming match.
What happened in the last Mumbai Indians match
Hardik Pandya was not part of the Mumbai Indians lineup in their previous IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals on April 4.
In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav led the team as stand-in captain.
Previous match result
| Match | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| MI vs DC | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | DC won by 6 wickets |
During the toss, the stand-in captain explained that Pandya was not fit enough to play that game.
He mentioned that Pandya was unwell and therefore unable to take the field.
Reason for Pandya’s absence
Reports suggest that Hardik Pandya missed the Delhi match because of a viral illness. The team decided not to risk him and allowed him time to recover.
Pandya reportedly traveled with the Mumbai Indians squad after the Delhi game and is now expected to return to training sessions with the team.
Pandya health update
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Health problem | Viral illness |
| Matches missed | 1 |
| Recovery status | Improving |
If he continues to recover well, Pandya could be available for the next match.
Also see : KKR Face Injury Concern as Blessing Muzarabani Doubtful for PBKS Match in IPL 2026
Possible return against Rajasthan Royals
Mumbai Indians are scheduled to face Rajasthan Royals in their next IPL 2026 match.
Match details
| Match | RR vs MI |
|---|---|
| Date | April 7, 2026 |
| Venue | Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati |
| Tournament | IPL 2026 |
If Pandya is cleared by the medical team, he is likely to return for this match. His presence would give MI an important boost in both batting and bowling.
Mumbai Indians’ start to IPL 2026
Mumbai Indians have had a mixed start to the tournament so far.
MI season start
| Matches | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 1 |
The team has shown some promising individual performances but is still searching for consistent team performances.
Fans react to MI’s social media post
The video shared by Mumbai Indians generated many reactions from fans on social media.
Some supporters were happy to see Pandya training again and hoped he would return soon. Others suggested that the team should focus more on improving results rather than posting updates online.
A few fans also debated the leadership situation, discussing how important Pandya’s presence is for the team’s strategy and confidence.
The upcoming match against Rajasthan Royals will be important for Mumbai Indians as they try to build momentum in IPL 2026.
If Hardik Pandya returns, MI will gain a stronger balance in their lineup and leadership on the field. The team will also aim to improve its overall performance with both bat and ball.
Fans will now wait for the final team announcement to see whether Pandya returns to action in the Guwahati clash.
