New Delhi: Mumbai Indians will take on Rajasthan Royals in match no.13 of the IPL 2026 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, April 7. Hardik missed MI’s last game due to illness, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the side in his absence.

Ahead of the clash against RR, MI’s bowling coach Paras Mhambrey provided a positive update on Hardik’s inclusion and said the all-rounder will be available for tomorrow’s clash.

“He will be available; he had a good couple of hours of net session yesterday. He is fit and fine. Just to clarify, Hardik wasn’t injured; he was unwell, that’s why he missed the game,” Mhambrey said in the pre-match press conference. He further added that they can’t control injuries, but the MI have got good backup players in the squad.

Hardik has scored 506 runs in 16 matches against RR at a strike-rate of 173.29. He has also taken 12 wickets against the Rajasthan-based franchise.

Mumbai Indians suffered a six-wicket defeat against Delhi Capitals in Pandya’s absence. Deepak Chahar replaced the MI skipper in the playing XI, but the decision to bring in fast-bowling all-rounder Corbin Bosch in place of Trent Boult cost them the match.

He conceded 39 runs in 3.1 overs at an economy rate of 12.30. Shardul Thakur, who delivered a brilliant performance against KKR, also gave away 41 runs in three overs. Mitchell Santner justified his selection and picked up 1 wicket.

The MI bowlers need to be at their best against RR’s top order, which has been in excellent form so far. RR openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi have provided explosive starts for the franchise.

Their bowlers are also in fine form with Nandre Burger and Jofra Archer taking early wickets, and Ravi Bishnoi also putting pressure in the middle-overs. MI are currently placed sixth in the IPL 2026, looking to make a strong comeback against the second-placed RR.