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Mumbai Indians' build-up to their IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur has gained a massive attention because of uncertainty around their leadership group.

With regular skipper Hardik Pandya still recovering from back spasms and Suryakumar Yadav recently becoming a father, MI’s team balance and captaincy situation have both come under focus.

The five-time champions are already under pressure in the playoff race, sitting ninth with only three wins from 10 matches. Sunday's match at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium is therefore not just another league fixture. For MI, every selection call now carries weight. The final decision around their playing XI and captaincy could shape their late-season push.

IPL 2026: Suryakumar Yadav set to be available for RCB vs MI clash in Raipur

As per latest cricket news, Suryakumar Yadav is expected to be available for Mumbai Indians' match against RCB on Sunday. There had been some uncertainty because his wife recently gave birth to a baby girl, raising the possibility that he may not travel to Raipur in time for the fixture.

However, according to Cricbuzz, Suryakumar has informed the MI team management that he is available for selection. He is expected to reach Raipur shortly and should be part of Mumbai's plans for the crucial game.

That is a major boost for MI, especially because Suryakumar captained the side in their previous match against Lucknow Super Giants on May 4. In Hardik Pandya’s absence, he led Mumbai to a six-wicket win, keeping their slim playoff hopes alive.

MI captaincy depends on Hardik Pandya's fitness

Whether Suryakumar leads Mumbai again will depend entirely on Hardik Pandya's recovery. The regular MI captain missed the LSG match due to back spasms and remains doubtful for the RCB clash. Although Hardik has travelled with the squad to Raipur, his participation is not yet confirmed.

Pandya reportedly underwent a fitness test on Friday and is set to be assessed again before the match. The final call will be taken by MI's medical team, including head of sports medicine Ben Langley and physio Nitin Patel. Hardik did not train with the side initially in Raipur but was expected to take part later.

If Hardik is cleared, he should return as captain. If he is not fit enough to play, Suryakumar is likely to continue leading the side.

Also READ: Why did BCCI pick Ahmedabad over Bengaluru for IPL 2026 final? IPL chairman answers

Mumbai Indians still alive in IPL 2026 Playoff race

Mumbai Indians are in a difficult position, but they are not out of the tournament yet. They have only three wins from 10 games and are placed ninth, but four wins from their remaining four matches could take them to 14 points. With the playoff race tightening, there is growing belief that 14 points might still be enough for a team to sneak into the top four.

That makes the RCB game extremely important. After Raipur, MI are scheduled to face Punjab Kings in Dharamsala on May 14, Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on May 20, and Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede on May 24.

For now, Suryakumar's availability is the good news MI needed. But the bigger suspense remains Hardik's fitness, because that will decide not just Mumbai's XI, but also who leads them in a must-win contest against RCB.