Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya threw himself into full-throttle training during the side’s session in Kolkata on Monday, a clear signal that he is nearing a return for the IPL match against Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday. Pandya had been absent from the previous three outings because of a back spasm, but he was among the first players to step off the team bus and appeared comfortable as he took part in an extended routine at the nets, combining bowling work with batting practice. The all-rounder’s sharp session drew plenty of attention from the group as Mumbai fine-tuned their plans for the KKR contest.
His last appearance for MI came in the team’s away fixture against Chennai Super Kings on May 2, after which he was ruled out with the injury. He also did not make the trip to Dharamsala for Mumbai’s six-wicket victory over Punjab Kings, a match in which Jasprit Bumrah was named the franchise’s third captain of the season. Suryakumar Yadav also missed that game following the birth of his child, and his absence was felt in the preparation as well, though he was seen during MI’s training in the lead-up to the KKR clash.
Pandya had earlier missed Mumbai’s home match against Lucknow Super Giants on May 4, and then sat out the encounter versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur—even though he travelled with the squad. That continued pattern of missing matches has contributed to chatter around his future with the franchise. The speculation gathered momentum after he was seen speaking with Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan, while some reports also linked him with a possible move to Delhi Capitals.
On the field, Pandya has had a tough season so far. In the IPL to date, he has managed 146 runs at a strike rate of roughly 136, and he has taken only four wickets, with his bowling economy sitting close to 12. For Mumbai, the broader campaign has been equally challenging, with the five-time champions winning just four of their 12 matches and slipping out of playoff contention alongside Lucknow Super Giants. With two league games still to play, MI are positioned among the bottom two, having collected eight points from 12 outings.
Across town, the KKR camp had its own injury-related adjustments. India spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who had been dealing with a hairline fracture in his leg during their most recent match against Gujarat Titans, did not take part in practice. Matheesha Pathirana was also absent from the training session as the squad prepared for the matchday challenge against Mumbai.
