The upcoming Mumbai Indians (MI) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clash on Sunday, May 10, 2026, in Raipur is a critical "do-or-die" match for MI's playoff survival. The team is currently languishing in 9th place on the points table with just 3 wins from 10 matches. After missing the win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) due to a back spasm, Hardik Pandya did not travel with the first batch to Raipur on May 6. However, recent reports indicate he has recovered and is expected to join the squad on Thursday to lead the team on Sunday.

Suryakumar Yadav is set to miss the RCB game to be with his wife, Devisha Shetty, who is expected to deliver their first child. This is a massive blow as he was MI's stand-in captain in the previous game. If Hardik Pandya is not 100% match-fit by Sunday, MI faces a unique crisis with both their captain and vice-captain (Yadav) unavailable. Tilak Verma is rumoured to be taking the role of the captain in case both of them are absent from the game.

What are other alternatives than Tilak Verma?

In case, the management believes Verma is not experienced enough to lead the team, they might either go with the former captain Rohit Sharma, who is currently playing as an impact substitute or give the charge to Jasprit Bumrah who is yet to join the team in Raipur.

Read More: Hardik Pandya Captaincy Records

Meanwhile for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, they would be playing their second game at their new home ground in Raipur for the remaining of the season. Phil Salt’s availability for the clash against Indians still remains a mystery as he has not joined the squad in India as of now. There has not been any updates from the RCB management either. In Salt’s absence, Jacob Bethell made his IPL debut but has not been impactful while Jitesh Sharma has taken over the wicket-keeping duties. Bethell’s insignificant contribution to the opening partnership has made Virat Kohli take over the role of the aggressor which has also resulted in a dip in his performance as well.