Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder Corbin Bosch acknowledged that the absence of captain Hardik Pandya due to a back spasm has severely impacted the team's performance, contributing to their IPL 2026 elimination.
The five-time champions were officially knocked out of the playoffs race after losing to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the last game.
Hardik missed three crucial league-stage matches, including the knockout fixture against RCB in Raipur, due to a persistent back issue.
Addressing the media ahead of MI’s match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Dharamsala, Bosch said the franchise has felt Pandya’s absence both as a leader and player, but added that the side must move forward despite the challenging circumstances.
"It's obviously been tough. Hardik is not only a leader but a fantastic cricketer as well. We've missed his presence when it comes to the on-field stuff," Bosch told reporters.
"I'm sure the people that are making decisions and the people that are looking after him are trying to do the best for him and for the team itself.
"It has been tricky but at the same time the game does move forward and we still need to play cricket so it's one of those things," he added.
In Hardik’s absence, Suryakumar Yadav has stepped in as the Mumbai Indians captain and could once again lead the side against PBKS on Thursday (May 14).
MI are holding ninth spot in the 10-team points table, and Bosch believes the side’s inability to produce a complete all-round performance has been the biggest reason behind their dismal campaign.
"We just have not put together a complete game. One day it’s been the bowlers who would do well and the batters struggle a little bit or the (next day) the batters do well and the bowlers struggle,” Bosch stated.
“The key moments in the game which this team is known for winning, we just haven't done that this year."
“Maybe dropping crucial chances at crucial stages of the game that have swung the game in the opposite direction. It’s a multitude of things but at the same time going into each game, we make sure that we leave no stone unturned,” he remarked.
