IPL 2026: Predicting Mumbai Indians (MI) strongest playing XI

Mumbai Indians (MI) will be aiming for a record-breaking sixth IPL title in the 2026 season. In IPL 2025, they qualified for the playoffs but were knocked out in the second playoff after a defeat against the eventual runners-up, Punjab Kings (PBKS). Heading into 2026, skipper Hardik Pandya will look to guide MI to yet another IPL triumph.

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At the top of the order, Rohit Sharma and South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton are expected to open the innings. Much like Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s veteran Virat Kohli, all eyes will be on Rohit and how effectively he leads the batting unit once again. Rickelton will also take up the wicketkeeping duties.

At number three, Suryakumar Yadav will be a key figure, followed by captain Pandya at number four. Tilak Varma has been a crucial part of the MI setup over the past few seasons. His consistency makes him an automatic choice in the middle order. Naman Dhir is likely to play the finisher’s role.

Another important addition is Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur. Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, MI traded him in from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for INR 2 crore. His all-round abilities could prove decisive if he performs to his potential. MI also completed another trade by bringing in Sherfane Rutherford from the Gujarat Titans for INR 2.6 crore. Rutherford played a few impactful knocks for GT last season, and MI will hope for similar contributions.

The pace attack will feature Jasprit Bumrah, New Zealand’s Trent Boult, and Shardul. Boult’s impact with the new ball is well known among cricket fans. In the spin department, Mitchell Santner is expected to be the frontline option.

For the impact player role, MI could turn to Indian leg-spinner Mayank Markande, depending on match conditions. With multiple combinations and options at his disposal, Pandya has several decisions to make as MI push towards their ultimate goal of lifting a sixth IPL title and becoming the most successful team in the tournament’s history.      

Here is the predicted strongest playing XI for MI for the IPL 2026

Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (c), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Sherfane Rutherford, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur.

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