The Mumbai Indians (MI) will be desperately seeking a win when they take on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 24 of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, April 16.
MI have made a poor start to the 2026 season, having won just one game out of four games played so far. After their victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders in their opening game, the five-time champions have gone on to lose to the Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals and defending champions Royal Challengers
Bengaluru in succession.
Despite currently being ninth in the points table, Hardik Pandya’s side has an excellent squad at their disposal. That said, the main worry for MI would be the form of Tilak Varma and Jasprit Bumrah. The duo, who won the 2026 T20 World Cup before the IPL, haven’t stamped their authority in the tournament but still remain vital members in the playing XI.
The MI lineup will comprise a strong Indian core with a host of international superstars complementing them.
Here is MI’s strongest predicted XI vs PBKS, Match 24, IPL 2026:
Top Order: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Suryakumar Yadav
Rohit Sharmaand Ryan Rickelton have provided MI with some quick starts in the powerplay. Rohit, however, suffered a hamstring injury against RCB, which forced him to retire hurt. The former captain’s fitness could be a cause for concern for MI, but the batter is expected to play against PBKS.
Suryakumar Yadav, meanwhile, has blown hot and cold in the IPL so far. India’s T20 captain has scored 106 runs, but averages only 26.50 from the first four matches.
Middle Order: Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (C), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner
MI’s struggles have lied in the middle order, with batters not scoring runs on a consistent basis. Tilak Varma averages just 8.75 this season, while Naman Dhir’s average is a mere 19.66.
Hardik Pandya will have a huge role to play in the middle overs to keep hold of his wicket and score quickly at the same time. If MI are batting second, one can expect Sherfane Rutherford to come in as an Impact Sub to handle the scoring in the death.
Bowlers: Shardul Thakur, Trent Boult, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah
MI’s bowling has always relied on Jasprit Bumrah, but the renowned pace bowler is yet to deliver this season. He has gone at an economy rate of 8.20, the highest since the 2015 season and is yet to pick up a wicket in four outings.
Shardul Thakur is currently the team’s leading wicket-taker this season, but has conceded runs at 13.45. Trent Boult, meanwhile, has taken just one scalp all season long and is due for a good performance with the new ball.
MI’s predicted playing XI vs PBKS in Match 24, IPL 2026:
Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (C), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Trent Boult, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah
Impact Player: Sherfane Rutherford
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