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Pandya was absent as the team gathered at Terminal 1, having missed the recent victory against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) due to a back spasm. There is presently no confirmation that Pandya will join the team closer to game day, according to reports.

However, the players and support staff of the Mumbai Indians have been travelling to Raipur in different batches, according to reports from the PTI news agency. It is unclear how these staggered travel arrangements will affect their training plans in front of a crucial match, given the limited flight connectivity between Mumbai and Raipur.

Ryan Rickelton recently discussed Hardik's absence, acknowledging that he did not know about the injury until Monday afternoon, but he was still hopeful about the captain's recovery.

"I don't know when he's expected to be back. I only found out this afternoon that he had back spasms. I'm unaware of the extent of it or what he's feeling. But I'm sure he'll be back with the group as we head to Raipur this week," Rickelton said.

Rohit to Lead Again?

As per a report from India Today, if neither Suryakumar nor Pandya is available, experienced Rohit Sharma may take over as captain. But as Rohit is now dealing with a hamstring ailment, this comes with its own set of hazards. Before designating him as the team's leader, the management will probably wait until Sunday morning to evaluate his level of fitness.

After his amazing comeback against LSG on Monday, Rohit's fitness continues to be the major focus. The Hitman appeared to be in classic form, even though he entered the game as an Impact Player and chose not to field.

With a brilliant 84 off just 44 deliveries, Rohit put an end to any questions regarding his layoff while chasing a difficult score of 229 at the Wankhede. His innings, which featured six boundaries and seven magnificent sixes, served as the foundation for a record-breaking 143-run opening partnership with Rickelton. Mumbai's slim chances of making the playoffs were preserved by a performance that former spinner Harbhajan Singh called 'full paisa vasool' (worth every penny) for the supporters.

Mumbai may need to turn to Jasprit Bumrah or the young Tilak Varma to lead the team if the elder trio is ruled out. The stakes are really high. After just three victories in their first ten games, the Mumbai Indians are currently in a dangerous situation. They need to win all four of their remaining games and hope for other favourable outcomes in order to have any chance of making it to the playoffs.