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Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav Likely to Return as Mumbai Indians Face KKR

Tshering Dorji · 20/05/2026 · 2 min read

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Mumbai Indians Set to Face Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026
Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav Likely to Return
KKR Looks to Stay in Playoff Race
Return to Form for Suryakumar Yadav

Mumbai Indians Set to Face Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026

The Mumbai Indians are set to play their penultimate game of the IPL 2026 season on Wednesday, coming into the contest on the back of their huge win over the Punjab Kings (PBKS) last week.

Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav Likely to Return

As per a report by News18, skipper Hardik Pandya could be in line for a return to play the KKR vs MI game, after missing the last few games due to back spasms. In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav led the side against Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

It is to be noted that Yadav was also present at the Eden Gardens stadium, according to the same report. The 35-year-old Indian T20I captain had missed the PBKS clash to spend time with his family after becoming a father recently. Jasprit Bumrah took over the captaincy mantle and led the side to their fourth win of the season.

KKR Looks to Stay in Playoff Race

KKR, on the other hand, has to win the game to stay in the race for a spot in the playoffs. The hosts will be keen to see their star player, Finn Allen, continue his purple patch with the bat and help the team secure two crucial points.

Allen, since his comeback, has scored 240 runs from four games with an average of 60. The Kiwi batter has hit one century and scored a brisk 93 versus the Gujarat Titans. Considering Mumbai’s bowling hasn’t been great this season, the challenge to stop the marauding blade of Kolkata’s opener will be key.

READ: ICC Mulls Revolutionary Changes: Pink and Red Balls in Same Test Match

Return to Form for Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav will be another player who will be keen to find some form with the bat after having a dreadful season. The veteran batter returns to his old stomping grounds, where he spent four seasons and became the batter that he is today.

With just two games left, the franchise wants to end the season on a high note. The return of Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav will be a huge boost to the team, and the Men in Blue and Gold will be looking to capitalize on their experience and skills to secure a win.

Tshering Dorji

Tshering Dorji is a senior sports journalist at Kuensel, Bhutan’s national newspaper, and the country’s most consistent chronicler of cricket’s quiet rise in the Himalayan kingdom. A graduate of Sherubtse College, he began his storytelling career covering traditional archery before turning his focus to cricket, a sport that slowly found a foothold in Bhutanese schools and valleys. Tshering now documents every step of Bhutan’s journey in ICC Associate cricket, from World Cricket League fixtures to age-group development tournaments. His writing is known for its warmth and precision, particularly in exploring the unique challenge of playing spin bowling at altitude and the dedication of local coaches. A winner of the Bhutan National Press Freedom Award, Tshering is also a strong advocate for youth sport and uses his platform to amplify the stories of athletes from cricket’s newest frontiers. He remains committed to ensuring that Bhutanese cricket is seen and heard on the global stage.