Mumbai Indians’ bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, has confirmed that Hardik Pandya will be back for the team’s upcoming IPL 2026 match against Rajasthan Royals at ACA Stadium. Pandya missed the last game due to illness but has since returned to training in good form. Mhambrey assured that Pandya is fit and ready to play.
In Pandya’s absence in the previous match, Mumbai Indians had to adjust their lineup. South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch replaced Trent Boult, and Deepak Chahar also joined the team. Mhambrey explained that Pandya’s versatility as an all-rounder was a key factor in the team’s strategy.
Mumbai Indians will be playing their first IPL game in Guwahati, where the focus will be on how Rajasthan Royals’ batsmen, including Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal, handle Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling. Mhambrey praised Bumrah’s unique skills, especially his ability to surprise and outsmart batsmen with his variations and disguise on the field.
