Mumbai-Indians. (Photo source: IPL)

Mumbai Indians entered the IPL 2026 mini-auction with the lowest purse. Having already built a well-balanced core, the five-time champions were one of the least active teams in Abu Dhabi. MI arrived at the auction with 20 players already in place and a purse of INR 2.75 crore, needing a maximum of five additions, including just one overseas option.

Their biggest decision was bringing back Quinton de Kock at his base price of INR 1 crore. The South African wicketkeeper-batter, who previously played for MI from 2019 to 2021, has been instrumental at the top. Mumbai then filled their remaining slots with uncapped Indian talents, Danish Malewar, Mohammad Izhar, Atharva Ankolekar, and Mayank Rawat, all picked up at INR 30 lakh each. The Mumbai-based team looks set to back the same combination that finished third in IPL 2025.

Here is Mumbai Indians' predicted playing 11 for IPL 2026 Top-Order: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Suryakumar Yadav
Ryan-Rickelton-and-Rohit-Sharma. (Photo source: X/IPL)

Mumbai’s top order is expected to witness Rohit Sharma opening the innings. While in the last season, he mainly played as an impact player, scoring 418 runs in 15 innings. He is once again expected to give a solid start. He will be accompanied by left-handed batter Ryan Rickelton.

The left-hander impressed in IPL 2025 with his skill set. However, Quinton de Kock is likely to act as Rickelton's backup. At No.3, India's current T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav will be walking in. Mumbai’s highest run-scorer last season, Suryakumar, will be given the responsibility to anchor the innings, while maintaining the flow of runs from one end.

Middle-Order: Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (Captain)
Hardik-Pandya-and-Tilak-Varma. (Photo source: X/IPL)

Young batter Tilak Varma has become Mumbai’s most reliable middle-order batter. Not only does he provide a left-handed option in the middle, but his ability to switch gears and keep the scoreboard ticking becomes crucial. Leading the team will be star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who slots in at No.5. With the bat, he is expected to score runs at a quick rate and pick wickets with both new and old ball.

After a tough homecoming in 2024 as a skipper, Hardik led the team brilliantly last year, making sure the team qualified. Notably, Mumbai traded left-handed batter Sherfane Rutherford from the Gujarat Titans, and he is expected to walk in as an impact player, making this XI more lethal.

All-Rounders: Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner
Naman-Dhir. (Photo Source: X/IPL)

Naman Dhir, who has been retained for INR 5.25 crore, is a solid option with the bat down the order and handy medium-pace bowling. His brilliance in the field further makes him a starter in Mumbai's starting combination. Furthermore, the Punjab all-rounder can also be a very handy option with the ball if the match situation requires. 

New Zealand white-ball skipper Mitchell Santner had a successful season with the five-time champions last year. The left-arm orthodox spinner's bowling suited the Wankhede surface, and the Hardik Pandya-led side will once again back him to pick wickets in the middle. His handy batting will also be useful to add crucial runs in the end.

Bowlers: Mayank Markande, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah

Mumbai’s bowling attack is one of the best in the league. Jasprit Bumrah will be leading the attack and sharing the new ball with Trent Boult. The New Zealander's ability to swing the new ball and pick wickets early on makes him an important asset. Boult was MI’s highest wicket-taker in IPL 2025, and he will look to carry the same confidence in the new season.

Deepak Chahar will be the third pacer in this team, who can bowl in all the phases of the game. In spin, recently traded Mayank Markande will be the sole specialist spinner, with Santner supporting him well from the other end. MI can rope in the impact substitutes from their bench strength for an additional spinner, however, if they need a batter to feature as Impact Player, Sherfane Rutherford is an excellent pick as well.

MI Predicted Playing XI for IPL 2026:

Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (Captain), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Mayank Markande, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah

Impact Player: Sherfane Rutherford