IPL 2026: ‘Missing Hardik, but the game moves on’ Corbin Bosch

Hardik Pandya. Pic/IPL

It has been a challenging period for five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians without regular skipper Hardik Pandya, but the game moves on, all-rounder Corbin Bosch said here on Wednesday.

A narrow loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur on Sunday knocked MI out of Playoffs contention this season, with Pandya missing the match due to a back spasm.

Pandya has missed three games so far.

Corbin Bosch

"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.

MI are languishing in the second-last spot in the 10-team points table, and all-rounder Bosch said the team's struggles this season stem from their inability to put together a complete performance. "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.

Meanwhile, PBKS assistant bowling coach Trevor Gonsalves said the side remains focused on cricketing matters and is not distracted by the noise around the team.

PBKS, who are placed fourth with 13 points, have attracted attention on social media because of the off-field conduct of some of their players. "Yes, today social media plays a big role [and] the news [in media] plays a big role. How the big players handle themselves against all these things is absolutely important," Gonsalves said.

Two
No. of matches MI have won under Hardik Pandya's leadership this season; they have lost six

Zero
No. of games MI have won vs PBKS in their last three ties

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