Here's why Hardik Pandya misses IPL 2026 match against DC
What's the story
Mumbai Indians's captain Hardik Pandya will not play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match against Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium today. T20 World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav will lead the five-time champions in his absence. The decision was confirmed at the toss, with Suryakumar saying that Hardik isn't feeling well and hence has been rested for this game.
Leadership change
Suryakumar gives update on Hardik
Suryakumar confirmed at the toss that Hardik was unwell and not fit to play today. "He's not well. Doesn't look good; he wasn't fit to play today. So just getting into his shoes today," he said. This is SKY's third assignment as the MI skipper. He has one loss and a win in this regard. Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel won the toss and opted to bowl first, with no changes made by Delhi Capitals from their previous matches.
Team adjustments
MI make 'quite a few changes'
Mumbai Indians made "quite a few changes" for the game against Delhi Capitals. Deepak Chahar replaced Hardik while Corbin Bosch took Trent Boult's place in the XI. Mitchell Santner also returned to the lineup in place of Allah Ghazanfar. Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton(w), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Naman Dhir, Sherfane Rutherford, Mitchell Santner, Corbin Bosch, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah. Impact subs: Mayank Markande, Robin Minz, Raj Bawa, Trent Boult, Ashwani Kumar.
Season opener
Both teams won their respective openers
Mumbai Indians started their IPL 2026 season on a high note, winning their opening match against Kolkata Knight Riders. This was the first time in 13 years that the five-time champions won their opening match of an IPL season. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals also won their opener by defeating Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets in Lucknow.