Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya was seen training at full intensity during the team’s practice session, indicating his possible return for the upcoming IPL match against Kolkata Knight Riders. Pandya, who had missed the last three matches due to a back spasm, seemed relaxed as he participated in an extended bowling and batting session at the nets. He bowled at full tilt and batted fluently, garnering attention during the training session.
The all-rounder last played in the match against Chennai Super Kings on May 2 before being sidelined with the injury. He did not travel with the team for the match against Punjab Kings, where Jasprit Bumrah took over as captain in the absence of Suryakumar Yadav, who missed the game due to the birth of his child. Suryakumar was also spotted during the training session.
Pandya had missed previous matches against Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru despite traveling with the squad. So far in the IPL season, he has scored 146 runs at a strike rate of around 136 and taken four wickets at an economy rate close to 12.
Mumbai Indians have had a tough campaign this season, managing only four wins from 12 matches and are out of playoff contention along with Lucknow Super Giants. They are currently placed in the bottom two with eight points from 12 matches, with two league games remaining.
In the Kolkata Knight Riders camp, star spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who played with a hairline fracture in the last match against Gujarat Titans, skipped practice along with Matheesha Pathirana. The match between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders is scheduled for Wednesday.
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