Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has set social media abuzz with a new training video, fueling speculation about his availability for the team's crucial IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings. The star all-rounder took to Instagram to share footage of himself working out at Mumbai's Reliance facility, signaling a positive step in his recovery from back spasms.

Pandya missed MI's previous game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru due to the same issue, and his absence from the initial squad traveling to Dharamsala on Tuesday has raised fresh doubts. According to reports, he did not join the first batch of players heading to the Himachal Pradesh venue for Thursday's fixture.

The MI support staff is closely monitoring Pandya's condition, with head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirming the captain remains under medical observation. "Hardik had a back issue which we were trying to rectify, but it hasn't settled in yet," Jayawardene explained after the RCB loss. "The medical guys were working on him. He couldn't train the last few days, so we didn't want to take a risk."

With MI already eliminated from playoff contention, the franchise is understandably cautious about rushing their skipper back. Jayawardene noted the decision is "on a day-to-day basis," adding, "We'll see how he feels and then make a decision."

Despite the uncertainty, Pandya's latest training update has sparked optimism among fans. The all-rounder's Instagram story shows him putting in work at the Reliance facility, suggesting he's gradually building back to full fitness. Whether that's enough to earn him a spot on the flight to Dharamsala remains the big question.

For MI supporters, seeing their captain back in action would be a welcome sight, even if the season's outcome is already decided. The franchise's careful handling of his recovery underscores the long-term value they place on their star player's health.