The Mumbai Indians' IPL-2026 campaign has been a rollercoaster of disappointment, and now the team—already eliminated from playoff contention—faces fresh questions over the absence of regular captain Hardik Pandya. The star all-rounder, reportedly battling back spasms, has not traveled with the squad to Dharamshala. Instead, he posted a video of himself training back in Mumbai, leaving fans and pundits speculating about his availability.

On Monday, MI all-rounder Corbin Bosch stepped up to address the elephant in the room. "Hardik is not only a leader but a fantastic cricketer. We've missed his presence when it comes to the on-field stuff," Bosch said. He added that the decision-makers and medical staff are doing their best for both Pandya and the team. "It has been tricky, but at the same time, the game does move forward, and we still need to play good cricket."

When pressed on why Pandya hasn't featured at all, Bosch deflected with a diplomatic smile: "A little bit above my pay grade. I think whoever is making decisions—the physios and the management—they know a little bit more than I do."

Mumbai's campaign has been defined by inconsistency, a point Bosch didn't shy away from. "I think we just haven't put together a complete game. One day the bowlers will do well, and then the batters maybe struggle, or the batters do well, then the bowlers struggle," he explained. "Ultimately, it's all about the key moments, and we just haven't won them enough this year."

Fielding lapses have also haunted the team. "Dropping crucial chances at crucial stages of matches have swung the game in the opposite direction and not in our favor. So, it's a multitude of things," Bosch admitted. For a franchise known for its championship pedigree, this season has been a stark reminder that even the best teams can struggle when the pieces don't fall into place.