New rumours involving Hardik Pandya and the Mumbai Indians have emerged on social media after his girlfriend Mahieka Sharma shared a post online. The post has fuelled speculation that Hardik Pandya has reportedly not travelled with the team to Dharamshala for their IPL 2026 match against the Punjab Kings on May 14.
Internet users and Mumbai Indians fans widely circulated Mahieka Sharma’s Instagram Story on social media, claiming that Hardik Pandya was relaxing at home instead of joining the squad in Dharamshala. Her post appeared to show Hardik Pandya standing at home, holding a large bouquet of flowers.
However, the image did not clearly show his face. Several social media users alleged that it was Hardik in the background, and rumours began circulating that he was spending time at home instead of travelling with the squad. Speculation about a rift between the Mumbai Indians and Hardik Pandya has been circulating following the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to bar players from travelling with their girlfriends. However, there has been no official confirmation of any such dispute.
Social media is awash with claims that Hardik Pandya is expected to miss the match against Punjab Kings, while some posts further allege that the Mumbai Indians captain has been 'sacked' by the franchise and that his reported injury is merely a pretext to protect his reputation.
Previously, Hardik Pandya did not accompany the team to Raipur for their match against RCB. He later arrived in Raipur with his girlfriend, Mahieka Sharma. There is also a possibility that he will travel to Dharamshala on this occasion as well. Currently, neither the Mumbai Indians nor Hardik Pandya has released any statement regarding his availability or absence from the squad. The Mumbai Indians are set to play the Punjab Kings in Dharamshala on May 14, and Hardik may link up with the team either tomorrow or even on the day of the match.
Mumbai Indians have been eliminated from the playoff race following their defeat to RCB in Raipur. They have secured only three victories in 11 matches and currently sit ninth in the points table. Supporters are disheartened by the performance of the five-time champions in the IPL 2026 season.