The Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya is set to return for the upcoming IPL 2026 clash between the Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians at Guwahati.

The all-rounder has been sidelined for the side’s previous clash against the Delhi Capitals, where they suffered a 6-wicket victory.

With Mumbai Indians preparing for the upcoming clash, Mumbai Indians bowling coach Paras Mhambrey confirmed the return of captain on Monday.

“He will be available, he had a good couple of hours of net session yester. He is fit and fine.

Hardik Pandya who had been integral part of the side, missed the previous outing due to illness. Suryakumar Yadav stepped in as captain, but they failed to capitalise and heavily missed all-roun abilities on a tack surface.

His absence also forced to restrategise their combination. Deepak Chahar who was drafted to game, deliveried a tidy spell, but the pace all-rounder Corbin Bosch in place of seasoned left arm pacer Trent Boult backfired, with the South African leaking runs.

Despite Jasprit Bumrah‘s economical spell, he is yet to pick a wicket this season. The MI attack, however face a stiff challenge against Rajasthan’s inform batting unit.

However, Rajasthan Royals openers Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal have provided a solid start, with Dhruv Jurel stabilising innings at No.3, and the depth in the llne up proved them to be formidable opponent for five times champions.

Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger and Tushar Deshpande has been key in Rajasthan Royals’ bowling line and keeps the side well balanced.

Howerver, Mumbai Indians experienced seasoners like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma to turn things around, setting up a thriller contest at Guwahati.