IPL 2026: Predicting the strongest playing XI of MI after retentions

Mumbai Indians head into IPL 2026 keeping a strong core after retentions. Openers Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton give MI a clear top-order plan. Rohit’s experience and ability to bat long inside the powerplay remain invaluable, while Rickelton has shown the sort of form and strike-rate that make him a reliable top-order force in the T20s. Rickelton’s 2025 numbers and the role he played at MI underline why he’s the first choice at No.2.

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Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma form the middle-order engine. SKY finished as one of the tournament’s top run-getters in 2025 and is MI’s principal middle-overs accelerator, while Tilak brings left-handed variety and the ability to both consolidate and launch depending on the situation. Together, they give MI the balance between rotation and hitting power that wins tight chases.

Will Jacks is the ideal floater at No.5. He is a match-winner with both bat and occasional off-spin who played pivotal cameos for MI in 2025 and can shift the momentum in a single over. Hardik Pandya’s presence at six secures the finishing role and offers crucial seam overs and leadership around the middle. Naman Dhir, the right-handed lower-order striker, provides explosive depth and those late-inning mini-blasts that change required-run dynamics.

Mitchell Santner is the spin anchor. His wicket-to-wicket control and ability to bat a useful cameo make him the perfect buffer between hitters and the death bowlers. On Indian pitches, he’s a go-to for restricting scoring and extracting breakthroughs. Allah Ghazanfar, who could not play last year, can play a key role as the wrist spinner of the team.

The pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult shapes MI’s bowling identity. Bumrah remains the leader: a first-choice strike bowler at the death and new ball who has been central to MI’s success. Boult’s left-arm swing complements Bumrah’s craft up front. MI have a clear seam cover in their squad.

If MI keep form and fitness from 2025, this side looks well placed to challenge for the title.

Probable playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Will Jacks, Hardik Pandya, Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Allah Ghazanfar, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult.

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