IPL 2026: 'We’ve missed his presence'- MI star bowler on Hardik Pandya’s absence

Mumbai Indians all-rounder Corbin Bosch has admitted the absence of regular captain Hardik Pandya has made life difficult for the five-time IPL champions this season, with the side struggling to recover from key moments going against them during a disappointing campaign.

Mumbai Indians were officially knocked out of the IPL 2026 playoff race following their narrow defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur on Sunday, a game Hardik Pandya missed because of a back spasm.

The RCB fixture marked the third league-stage game Hardik has sat out this season after previously missing the away clash against Delhi Capitals and the home encounter against Lucknow Super Giants.

Speaking ahead of Mumbai Indians’ upcoming match against Punjab Kings, Bosch said the team has certainly felt the absence of their captain, both as a leader and as a player, but added that the side still has to move forward despite the setback.

"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," Bosch told reporters on the eve of MI's contest against Punjab Kings.

"I'm sure the people that are making decisions and the people that are looking after him are trying to do the best for him and for the team itself.

"It has been tricky but at the same time the game does move forward and we still need to play cricket so it's one of those things," Bosch added.

India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has led Mumbai Indians in all three matches in Hardik’s absence and could once again captain the side when MI take on Punjab Kings on Thursday.

Mumbai Indians currently sit second from bottom in the 10-team points table, and Bosch believes the side’s inability to produce a complete all-round performance has been the biggest reason behind their disappointing season.

"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 or the (next day) the batters do well and the bowlers struggle,” he said.

“The key moments in the game which this team is known for winning, we just haven't done that this year."

“Maybe dropping crucial chances at crucial stages of the game that have swung the game in the opposite direction. It’s a multitude of things but at the same time going into each game, we make sure that we leave no stone unturned,” Bosch added.