Why is Hardik Pandya not playing today’s MI vs LSG IPL 2026 match [Watch]

Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the IPL 2026 match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Wankhede Stadium on Monday, May 4. Suryakumar Yadav has replaced him as the stand-in-captain because the all-rounder was unwell (back spasms).

Speaking at the toss, Yadav said (via Cricbuzz):

“He [Hardik Pandya] is not well tonight, so going into his shoes.”

Hardik Pandya’s absence will not play a big role for MI as the skipper has managed just 146 runs and four wickets in eight matches in IPL 2026. In his captaincy, Mumbai managed to win only two out of their eight games. After losing to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by eight wickets in the last outing, Pandya addressed that the five-time champions have fallen behind in the race to the playoffs. He said (via Cricbuzz):

“Not the season, I feel, not just the night.”

Many users are now following live updates and analysis of matches using the bhalobet platform, where real-time information is easily available.

MI make two changes against LSG in IPL 2026 match

MI have made a couple of changes for their IPL 2026 match against LSG. Rohit Sharma has made a comeback after losing five matches in a row due to a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, all-rounder Corbin Bosch has replaced Trent Boult in the lineup. At the toss, Suryakumar Yadav confirmed:

“Cobin Bosch comes in for Trent Boult and also our very own Rohit Sharma is back.”

On the other hand, the Super Giants also made two changes as Akshat Raghuvanshi is set to make his debut while Mukul Chaudhary made way for Josh Inglis in the playing XI. LSG spent a whopping INR 8.60 crore to secure Inglis at the IPL 2026 auction, even as he clarified about his absence for the first half of the season.

With two wins in nine matches, the Mumbai-based franchise is placed ninth in the points table. Meanwhile, the Rishabh Pant-led side is last despite two wins in eight games due to a poor net run rate (NRR). They lost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a Super Over in their last outing.

When the two teams last locked horns in 2025, MI beat LSG by 54 runs.