Why is Hardik Pandya Not Playing in MI vs LSG IPL 2026 Match?
This is not the first time MI captain Hardik Pandya has missed leading MI in IPL 2026. Pandya earlier missed out on taking field in DC vs MI at Arun Jaitley Stadium last month.
In a major development at the Wankhede Stadium this evening, Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the MI vs LSG IPL 2026 encounter against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The star all-rounder’s absence was confirmed at the toss, with Suryakumar Yadav stepping in to lead the five-time champions in this critical survival battle. You can find Mumbai Indians vs Lucknow Super Giants match scorecard here.
Why is Hardik Pandya Not Playing in MI vs LSG?
Pandya has been sidelined due to an illness, as confirmed by Yadav at the toss, who mentioned, 'He (Hardik) is not well tonight, so going into his shoes.' This is not the first time Pandya has missed leading MI in IPL 2026. Pandya earlier missed out on taking the field in DC vs MI at Arun Jaitley Stadium last month.
No Hardik Pandya For MI
🚨 Toss Update 🚨@mipaltan won the toss and elected to field against @LucknowIPL.
Surya Kumar Yadav is captaining #MI as Hardik Panyda is unwell.
Updates ▶️https://t.co/elXSOvaeig #TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #MIvLSG pic.twitter.com/eQjzr2GXrm
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 4, 2026
The timing of Pandya's absence adds to the pressure surrounding the franchise. Mumbai Indians are currently languishing in ninth place on the IPL 2026 points table, having secured only two wins from nine matches. MI vs LSG Live Streaming Online and Free Telecast, IPL 2026.
In the 8 matches Pandya featured in before being sidelined by illness, the captain managed 146 runs at a modest average of 20.86 and a strike rate of 136.45, with a top score of 40 against RCB. His impact with the ball has been equally limited, claiming just 4 wickets at an average of 31.00, with his best figures being 1/18 against the Gujarat Titans.
Interestingly, while current captain Pandya sits out, former skipper Rohit Sharma is returning to the MI XI after an injury layoff. Sharma suffered a hamstring strain while batting during Mumbai's home fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru last month.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 04, 2026 07:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
