Hardik had missed MI's last game against LSG due to back spasm.
Hardik Pandya is set to travel to Raipur on Thursday (May 7) night to rejoin the Mumbai Indians (MI) squad. He is recovering from back spasms that forced him to miss the previous game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
While Hardik’s availability for Sunday’s (May 10) match against the Royals Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) remains uncertain, sources in the MI camp confirmed to Cricbuzz that the all-rounder is on the road to recovery.
According to the report, Pandya will train in the nets on Friday (May 8) but a final decision on his availability for the RCB clash lies with the medical team, led by Nitin Patel.
"It is up to Nitin Patel and the medical team," Cricbuzz quoted a Mumbai Indians source as saying.
With 6 points in 10 outings, MI are fighting for survival and they need to win the remaining four league matches to stay in contention for the playoffs.
Despite frustration within the camp over the team’s performance, MI sources indicate there will be no mid-season changes.
"There will be no decision on any changes in the middle of the season," a source said.
In the absence of Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav led MI to crucial victory against LSG. Having been blessed with a baby girl on May 7, there is no clarity on Suryakumar’s participation in the RCB game. MI management will reportedly allow him to decide his availability based on his personal readiness.
Moreover, Mumbai Indians have not decided to rest pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah despite his recent struggles and the team's slim playoff chances.
Experts like Ravi Shastri and Sanjay Bangar have suggested a break for the ace fast bowler, citing mental fatigue, but the MI think tank reportedly wants to field their best XII for the rest of the campaign.
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)