Hardik Pandya Absent from MI Squad for Raipur Match

Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya is not traveling with his team to Raipur ahead of their match against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). According to reports, Pandya was absent when the MI squad assembled at Mumbai’s airport on Wednesday. There is no update on when he might join the team for the upcoming game.

Pandya missed MI’s last match against Lucknow Super Giants due to a back spasm. Stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav took over duties, stating that Pandya was unwell. This was the second time this season Pandya has been absent due to illness, having also missed a previous match.

After the Lucknow game, coach Ryan Rickelton said he had no details on when Pandya might return. The 32-year-old has struggled this season, scoring just 146 runs and taking four wickets in eight matches. He last played against Chennai Super Kings on May 2, bowling and batting but managing only 18 runs.

Mumbai Indians are currently ninth in the IPL standings with six points from 10 games. They face a tough challenge to reach the playoffs as they prepare for their match against RCB in Raipur.