The wait for Hardik Pandya's return to the pitch may soon be over. Mumbai Indians' captain has been sidelined with a back spasm, missing three consecutive matches and sparking widespread speculation about his status. But according to teammate Shardul Thakur, the all-rounder could be back in action for the crucial clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on May 20.

Pandya first sat out Mumbai's home game against Lucknow Super Giants on May 4, then missed the clash with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur despite traveling with the squad. He also didn't travel to Dharamsala for the six-wicket win over Punjab Kings, where Jasprit Bumrah became the team's third captain this season after Suryakumar Yadav missed the match following the birth of his child. In Pandya's absence, Suryakumar had been leading the side.

"Hardik is injured, so he couldn't travel for a couple of games," Thakur explained during a post-match media interaction. "He went to Raipur but couldn't play. He is training in Mumbai now, and I expect him to be back in Kolkata and play at Eden Gardens on May 20. Players like him—we always miss the quality."

The update comes as a relief for MI fans, though the team has already been eliminated from IPL 2026. Pandya's absence—and his struggles on the field—have been major factors in a disappointing campaign. The all-rounder has endured a tough season both as captain and player, scoring just 146 runs in eight innings at an average of 20.85 and a strike rate of 136.44, with a highest score of 40. With the ball, he has managed only four wickets at an average of 61.50 and an economy rate of nearly 11.90.

As the team looks to finish the season on a high note, all eyes will be on Pandya's potential return. Whether he can rediscover his form in Kolkata remains to be seen, but for now, the news offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise challenging season for the five-time champions.