Game thirteen of the 2026 Indian Premier League is ready to begin. At Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium, Rajasthan Royals meet Mumbai Indians come April sixth. Before the match kicks off, supporters are wondering one thing above all – will Hardik Pandya take the field for Mumbai? His presence hangs in the balance as anticipation builds.

Pandya was absent when Mumbai Indians played their previous match versus Delhi Capitals. Even with several big names on the team, they still fell short that night. That defeat marked the beginning of their struggles this season

Facing off soon versus RR, it turns out Hardik Pandya is set to take the field again – news shared straight by Mumbai Indians’ bowling coach Paras Mhambrey. His return lands just before the next match kicks into motion.

“Hardik Pandya will be available for tomorrow’s game. He was not injured, he was unwell. He is fit and fine now,” Mhambrey said in the pre-game press conference.

MI look to get back to winning ways

When it comes to how they’ve been playing, Mumbai Indians are into their second match of IPL 2026. One win sits beside one loss for the team that’s lifted the trophy five times. Sitting at number six in the table, they carry two points on the board. A clash looms with a strong Rajasthan Royals side, offering a chance to shift momentum back in their favor.

Fresh off the mark, Rajasthan Royals sparkled early, guided by Riyan Parag’s calm presence at the helm. Their opening pair of matches ended in full success – both claimed without close margins. Beating Chennai Super Kings set the tone, then came a win that mixed ease with excitement versus Gujarat Titans.

Right now, sitting at number two in the standings, Royals hold four points. Their spot comes down to a weaker net run rate than Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who lead despite having the same tally. First place belongs to Bengaluru for that reason