Overview
- Mumbai Indians, who gathered Wednesday at Mumbai’s Terminal 1 to fly to Raipur for Sunday’s match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, did so without captain Hardik Pandya.
- Pandya missed the previous game against Lucknow Super Giants with what the franchise called a back spasm, while stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav said he was unwell.
- The club has not confirmed whether he will link up with the squad later in the week, and reports say there is no clear indication he will travel.
- Mumbai have three wins from ten games and sit ninth in the table, so another game without their captain could further dim already slim playoff hopes.
- Pandya has a history of back problems and spent time in BCCI rehabilitation last year, which adds weight to concerns about his current fitness.