Shardul Thakur has provided a major fitness update on Hardik Pandya, revealing that the Mumbai Indians captain is currently recovering from an injury but is expected to return for the team’s next IPL 2026 fixture against the Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on May 20. Pandya, who has been sidelined with a back spasm, last featured for Mumbai Indians in their clash against Chennai Super Kings on May 2.
Since then, the star all-rounder has missed three consecutive matches, raising concerns among MI fans during what has already been a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign for the five-time champions. Speaking after the Mumbai Indians’ thrilling six-wicket win over the Punjab Kings in Dharamsala, Thakur confirmed that Pandya had travelled to Raipur for the match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru but was ultimately unable to play because of the injury.
“Hardik is injured, so he couldn’t travel for a couple of games. He went to Raipur but couldn’t play. He is training in Mumbai now and I expect him to be back in Kolkata and play. Players like him, we always miss the quality,” Shardul Thakur told reporters.
ALSO READ: Former Cricketer Demands Ban On Arshdeep Singh After Viral Tilak Varma Remark
Pandya recently shared short training clips on Instagram, hinting that he is close to regaining full fitness. His possible return will come as a boost for MI, even though the franchise, along with Lucknow Super Giants, has already been eliminated from the IPL 2026 playoff race.
In Pandya’s absence, the Mumbai Indians have rotated captains throughout the season. Suryakumar Yadav led the side for a couple of games before Jasprit Bumrah took charge against the Punjab Kings. MI’s win in Dharamsala was only their fourth victory of the season, highlighting the inconsistency that has troubled the side this year.
When asked to compare the leadership styles of Pandya, Suryakumar and Bumrah, Thakur avoided ranking any of them and instead praised their individual strengths and experience.
“It’s difficult to rate because all three have different ideas and approaches. There is no fixed mantra in cricket that guarantees success,” Shardul Thakur explained.
ALSO READ: Robin Singh Ends Long Association With Mumbai Indians After 15 Years
The India all-rounder also stressed that players carry equal responsibility in helping captains succeed. According to him, proactive performances and understanding of match situations are just as important as tactical leadership on the field.
Thakur further praised the trio for their match-winning abilities, saying younger cricketers in the squad can learn a lot from watching them closely. He added that players like Pandya, Bumrah and Suryakumar inspire the dressing room because of their ability to change games single-handedly and bring confidence to the entire team.
