Shardul Thakur has responded to the growing speculation over Hardik Pandya’s future at Mumbai Indians by quashing rumors of the MI captain’s transfer after the team’s six-wicket win over Punjab Kings on May 14.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Shardul said that social media talk should largely be limited to social media and clarified that Hardik is currently unavailable due to injury.

Shardul said, “There is a lot of talk on social media. Some are true and some are false. But in the end it is the team management that takes the decision.”

PBKS vs MI: highlighted | Achievement:

Hardik did not accompany the team to Dharamshala for the Punjab clash and has now missed Mumbai’s last three matches in the Indian Premier League 2026 season.

The MI captain’s absence has fueled rumors of unrest within the franchise, with speculation that Hardik could be traded to Chennai Super Kings. The news and fan conversations have intensified regarding the alleged close relationship between CSK CEO Kasi Vishwanathan and former India captain MS Dhoni.

Hardik has also been linked with franchises like Delhi Capitals after Mumbai’s disappointing season.

However, Shardul insisted that the all-rounder’s absence was entirely injury-related and revealed that Hardik was currently undergoing rehabilitation in Mumbai.

“If we talk about Hardik Pandya specifically, he had an injury and did not travel with the team. He traveled to Raipur, but he was not able to play there. He is now in Mumbai training. I am hopeful that he will return to action in Kolkata and play games.”

“We always miss a player of his caliber when he doesn’t play,” he said.

Mumbai will face Kolkata Knight Riders on May 20 at Eden Gardens.

Hardik has faced a lot of difficulties IPL 2026 campaign as both captain and player. This season he has scored only 146 runs with the bat at a strike rate of 136, while with the ball he has taken only four wickets at an average of 61.

Despite the absence of Hardik Pandya and vice-captain Suryakumar Yadav on Thursday. Mumbai Indians managed to defeat Punjab Kings by 6 wickets. While chasing the target of 201 runs, Tilak Verma stood up and gave victory to the team by hitting a powerful six on the last ball.

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