'Trying to do the best for Hardik Pandya' - Corbin Bosch explains injury state of Mumbai Indians captain

Published - 13 May 2026, 23:11 IST | Updated - 13 May 2026, 23:21 IST

All-rounder Corbin Bosch has explained the feeling inside the Mumbai Indians' dressing room with skipper Hardik Pandya going through a back spasm, which forced him to miss the last couple of matches in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Bosch has said that he is confident of the efforts being put in by the MI medical staff.

Speaking ahead of the match against the Punjab Kings, Bosch, who also filled in for Hardik's absence in the playing XI, further explained that the disappointing campaign for the franchise stems from the fact that the unit failed to put up a comprehensive performance. While a day has seen MI batters being exceptional with the job, the bowling attack could not put up a show, and vice versa.

"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. I'm sure the people who are making decisions and the people who are looking after him are trying to do the best for him and for the team itself," Bosch said at the pre-match press conference.

"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," the all-rounder explained.

It is worth mentioning that Hardik engaged in an intense, three-hour-long practice session ahead of the upcoming fixture but has not been cleared to travel to Dharamshala to face the Shreyas Iyer-led side. The game is set to be played on Thursday, May 14, and while the squad has linked up in the host city, Hardik has not travelled, as MI will continue to be led by the interim captain Suryakumar Yadav.

Notably, the Mumbai-based franchise has been eliminated from the race for the playoffs, and will be looking to play for pride and nothing else in their remaining fixtures in the league-stage campaign of the 2026 edition, with an aim to come back better next season.