MI’s strongest playing XI for IPL 2026

Mumbai Indians (MI) have been searching for the IPL title since last five years and would want to lift their sixth title in 2026.

Mumbai Indians (MI) just had INR 2.75 Crores to play with as they went to Abu Dhabi for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction. The five-time IPL winners though made a huge splash when they signed Quinton de Kock for INR 1 Crore for the coming season. The 33-year-old South African was a key member of their title winning sides few years ago.

The Men in Blue and Gold then focused majorly on local talents to fill up their squad. Vidarbha batter Danish Malewar, pacer Mohammad Izhar, and spinners Atharva Ankolekar, and Mayank Rawat were the other players, who made their way to MI squad.

Hardik Pandya and his side haven’t won the IPL title since the 2020 season which was held in Dubai. Last season, MI reached the second qualifier game before eventually losing to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in what was a high-scoring encounter.

Strongest playing XI for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026

Opening batters – Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock

MI, had their best moments in the IPL when Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock were opening the batting. Rohit in particular will be looking to play his most attacking brand of cricket to keep himself in shape for international duties. Quinton de Kock, has found his lost form and has become one of the most dangerous batters in white-ball cricket.

Middle- order – Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma

Englishman Will Jacks is likely to be slotted at number three to keep the momentum going in the powerplay overs. Jacks, is also a decent spin bowler with the ability to take key wickets with the ball.

Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma will be key part of MI’s middle-order especially at a critical phase of the game. Both batters can bat well against the pacers as well as the spinners and play unorthodox shots to unsettle the opposition.

Lower middle-order – Hardik Pandya, Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner

Skipper Hardik Pandya has made a smashing return to form with the bat and ball for India in international cricket. The 32-year-old will be a huge player for MI not just as a captain but also in the role of a finisher towards the end of the game.

Naman Dhir, has been one of the best finds for MI in recent times and his big-hitting ability and strike-rate of 180 is a very good indicator of his prowess. Mitchell Santner found his form and rhythm in the second half of the season last year which helped MI reach the playoffs. Kiwi star will hope to dazzle with the ball and also contribute with the bat in IPL 2026.

Bowlers – Jasprit Bumrah, Deepak Chahar, and Trent Boult

Deepak Chahar and Trent Boult will be entrusted the role of bowling with the new ball for MI next season. Both bowlers have the ability to swing the new-ball and take wickets in the powerplay overs.

Jasprit Bumrah will be looked at as a key figure in the bowling unit, especially in the death overs along with Boult. The right-arm seamer has been losing his steam in the shortest format and will look to bounce back in style with the ball.

Mumbai Indians XI for IPL 2026

Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock (WK), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (C), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah

Impact Sub – Mayank Markande

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