Hardik Pandya may have put in a grueling three-hour training session at the Reliance Corporate Park on Tuesday, but all signs point to the Mumbai Indians captain missing yet another IPL fixture. The star all-rounder is unlikely to join the squad for Thursday's clash against the Punjab Kings in Dharamsala, as he continues to recover from back spasms that sidelined him for the team's recent matches against Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The intense workout—complete with videos shared on social media—has raised eyebrows across the cricketing world. While the franchise insists Pandya is simply managing a back issue, the timing and vigor of his training have sparked questions about deeper concerns within the dressing room. Reports suggest all hasn't been smooth behind the scenes for the five-time champions, and Pandya's absence only adds to the intrigue.
The squad reached Dharamsala from Chandigarh on Tuesday afternoon, but notably, neither Pandya nor stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav was in the traveling party. Suryakumar, who recently welcomed a baby girl, returned to Mumbai alongside Pandya and a few other players immediately after Sunday's match in Raipur. The rest of the team made their way to Dharamsala, leaving fans wondering when their captain and vice-captain will rejoin the fold. The franchise remains hopeful that Suryakumar will be available closer to game day, similar to his late arrival for the RCB fixture.
With Mumbai Indians languishing in ninth place on the points table, this season has been one to forget for the record champions. The remaining matches offer a silver lining: a chance to test bench strength and give much-needed rest to superstars who have struggled for form. Suryakumar and Tilak Varma have managed just one century and one half-century between them, while Jasprit Bumrah has fought a lonely battle with the ball all season. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene continues to back his "core players," but the time may have come to look toward fresh faces who can deliver consistent performances.