India, May 7 -- Mumbai Indians received a timely boost ahead of their high-profile clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with skipper Hardik Pandya set to travel to Raipur after missing the previous game due to a back spasm. Pandya was unavailable for the match against Lucknow Super Giants, where Suryakumar Yadav stepped in as captain in his absence. His return comes at a crucial stage of the season, with MI fighting to stay alive in the playoff race. The five-time champions are running out of chances and will need their experienced stars to step up quickly if they are to script a remarkable turnaround and revive their IPL 2026 campaign.

Hardik was not part of the large first batch of Mumbai Indians players and support staff who tra...