IPL 2026: Why is Hardik Pandya not playing today’s match against Delhi Capitals?

Mumbai Indians (MI) are without their captain Hardik Pandya for their second fixture of the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026) against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Saturday, April 4, at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. In Pandya’s absence, Suryakumar Yadav filled in as skipper as he gave an update on Pandya’s fitness at the toss.

The MI vice-captain revealed that Pandya wasn’t well for the fixture, which was confirmed by Mumbai Indians through their social media handles.

“He's not well, doesn't look good, so he was not fit for today's game. So just getting into his shoes today,” said Suryakumar Yadav at the toss.

“Hardik is unwell and hence will not be taking the field today. Suryakumar Yadav will be the captain today,” informed Mumbai Indians in a statement on their X account.

The MI skipper doesn't seem injured and most likely will be back for Mumbai's next fixture against Rajasthan Royals (RR). In Pandya’s absence, MI brought in seam all-rounder Deepak Chahar, while they also made two more changes to the playing XI.

Corbin Bosch was brought in for fast bowler Trent Boult, while left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner filled in for Allah Ghazanfar.

On the other hand, DC made no changes to their playing XI. Both teams are coming into the fixture having won their respective first encounters. DC beat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by six wickets. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians beat Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their first fixture.

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

Mumbai Indians Impact subs: Mayank Markande, Robin Minz, Raj Bawa, Trent Boult, Ashwani Kumar

Delhi Capitals (Playing XI): KL Rahul(w), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Axar Patel(c), Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Vipraj Nigam, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar

Delhi Capitals Impact subs: Ashutosh Sharma, Auqib Nabi Dar, Sameer Rizvi, Dushmantha Chameera, Karun Nair