Mumbai Indians have a lot to worry about ahead of their Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday, May 10, in Raipur. A stand-in captain of MI would be required due to the absence of Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav. MI are currently ninth in the points table with only three wins in nine games. They will need to win their remaining four games to have slim chances of qualifying for the playoffs. Let’s take a look at the rumoured unavailability of Pandya and Yadav for the next RCB vs MI match.
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Why Could Hardik Pandya Miss the RCB vs MI Game?
Skipper Hardik Pandya is not expected to be part of MI’s XI for their blockbuster clash against RCB. He did not travel with the squad to Raipur, as they arrived in the city on Wednesday, May 6. Moreover, there is no clear indication as to whether he would be joining the squad on Thursday or later ahead of the game. Pandya missed MI’s last clash against Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on May 4. In place of him, Suryakumar Yadav led the side, as they won the game by six wickets.
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The official reason for Pandya missing the game was back spasms, which he sustained during the clash against the Chennai Super Kings on May 4 in Chennai. According to The Times of India, the 32-year-old was advised a week-long precautionary rest to recover from the back spasms. As a result, he missed the LSG fixture and has not yet arrived in Raipur. The decision on his participation will be taken closer to the next RCB vs MI match.
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So far, Pandya has contributed 146 runs and picked up only four wickets in eight games. He has been one of the weak links in the MI squad, and his captaincy is also questioned. However, the absence of Hardik Pandya could hurt MI’s chances of winning the game and remaining alive of making it to the playoffs.
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Suryakumar Yadav Set to Skip RCB vs MI Clash
Another senior player, Suryakumar Yadav, is set to miss the next RCB vs MI match due to personal reasons. Like Hardik Pandya, Yadav was also not a part of MI’s touring party to Raipur on Wednesday. According to reports, Yadav and his wife, Devisha Shetty, are expecting their first child this month, with their baby shower celebrations going viral in March. Although he was likely to lead MI in Raipur, he stayed back in Mumbai to be with his wife.
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In terms of form, Surya has been struggling, as he has garnered only 195 runs in 10 innings at an average of 19.50, with a solitary fifty. He has failed to continue the team’s momentum in the middle overs, which has eventually affected the team’s result. However, Suryakumar Yadav’s experience could have been vital for MI, as he generally thrives in pressure games against arch-rivals.
Who Could Be Stand-In Captain of MI vs RCB?
In the absence of Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav, the team management will have an important task to elect a stand-in captain of MI for their high-voltage clash against RCB. Below are the possible players who can lead the Mumbai-based franchise on Sunday.
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#1 Rohit Sharma
MI opener and former captain, Rohit Sharma, has been impressive this season, smashing 221 runs in five games at an average of 55.25 and a strike rate of 174.01. He has been utilised as an Impact Player this season, and has done well to provide quickfire starts to the side.
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The last game witnessed Sharma in full flow in front of his home crowd in Mumbai against the Super Giants. He slammed 84 off 44 balls, with six fours and seven sixes, and forged a 143-run stand with Ryan Rickelton (83). As a result, MI sealed a 229-run chase easily in 18 overs and kept their playoff hopes alive.
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Being in prime hitting form, Rohit Sharma looks to be in a good space right now. His confidence can fuel the squad further, as they hope to win all the remaining league games. The tactical brilliance and quick decision-making could help the five-time champions to continue their winning momentum.
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#2 Jasprit Bumrah
Ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah is enduring his worst-ever IPL season in terms of pace and wicket-taking abilities. He has only three dismissals in 10 games at an average of 109.66. However, Bumrah has led India across all formats in a few games. Under his captaincy, the Indian team secured a 295-run win over Australia in Perth during the 2024-25 tour to Australia.
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When leading the side, Bumrah can manage his spells effectively and the time when he needs to push harder to secure breakthroughs. It will be interesting to see if the right-arm pacer is indeed allowed to captain MI.
