IPL 2026: Under-fire Mumbai Indians to be tested by high-flying Punjab Kings It has been a forgettable outing for the Mumbai Indians so far, with just two points from four games. Adding to its woes, the franchise sweats over the fitness of Rohit Sharma ahead of the must-win Indian Premier League clash against Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.
Rohit had hobbled off after injuring his hamstring during the previous game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and has since skipped practice, with the franchise maintaining that the “medical team is assessing” him.
Rohit did some light, gingerly jogging on the eve of the game after skipping earlier training sessions. Later, he also spent about twenty minutes in the nets, facing throwdowns and taking on net bowlers.
A late call is expected, but if he eventually misses out, it will further dent a top order that has lacked consistency. Rohit’s ability to anchor and accelerate has often set the tone, and his absence would only deepen Mumbai’s early-season struggles.
ALSO READ | Rohit Sharma doubtful for Mumbai Indians’ home game vs Punjab Kings
MI has struggled for consistency, with its star-studded batting line-up failing to click collectively – starts have not been converted, and partnerships have been hard to build.
On the eve of the game, Naman Dhir downplayed concerns over the form of Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. While Suryakumar has scored 106 runs, Tilak has managed just 35 so far, though the team remains confident of a turnaround in fortunes.
The bowling unit, too, has been far from impressive. Jasprit Bumrah is yet to pick up a wicket despite being economical, while Trent Boult and Hardik Pandya have lacked consistency, especially in the death overs.
Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, appear more settled. Strong PowerPlay returns from Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, along with middle-order stability, give them the edge heading into the contest.
For Mumbai Indians, another defeat could deepen a crisis in a season already threatening to drift away early, leaving little margin for recovery in a tightly contested league.
Will Jacks to link up with MI
England all-rounder Will Jacks is set to link up with Mumbai Indians later this week after missing the franchise’s first four matches of the IPL.
The 27-year-old took time off following a demanding stretch of cricket, having featured in four of England’s five Tests during The Ashes. He then continued his busy schedule with the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka and the subsequent T20 World Cup, prompting a short break before joining the IPL.
Jacks’ arrival is expected to bolster Mumbai’s options, particularly in the middle order, while also providing a handy off-spin option as the team looks to revive its campaign after a slow start to the season.
Published on Apr 15, 2026
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It has been a forgettable outing for the Mumbai Indians so far, with just two points from four games. Adding to its woes, the franchise sweats over the fitness of Rohit Sharma ahead of the must-win Indian Premier League clash against Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.
Rohit had hobbled off after injuring his hamstring during the previous game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and has since skipped practice, with the franchise maintaining that the “medical team is assessing” him.
Rohit did some light, gingerly jogging on the eve of the game after skipping earlier training sessions. Later, he also spent about twenty minutes in the nets, facing throwdowns and taking on net bowlers.
A late call is expected, but if he eventually misses out, it will further dent a top order that has lacked consistency. Rohit’s ability to anchor and accelerate has often set the tone, and his absence would only deepen Mumbai’s early-season struggles.
ALSO READ | Rohit Sharma doubtful for Mumbai Indians’ home game vs Punjab Kings
MI has struggled for consistency, with its star-studded batting line-up failing to click collectively – starts have not been converted, and partnerships have been hard to build.
On the eve of the game, Naman Dhir downplayed concerns over the form of Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma. While Suryakumar has scored 106 runs, Tilak has managed just 35 so far, though the team remains confident of a turnaround in fortunes.
The bowling unit, too, has been far from impressive. Jasprit Bumrah is yet to pick up a wicket despite being economical, while Trent Boult and Hardik Pandya have lacked consistency, especially in the death overs.
Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, appear more settled. Strong PowerPlay returns from Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, along with middle-order stability, give them the edge heading into the contest.
For Mumbai Indians, another defeat could deepen a crisis in a season already threatening to drift away early, leaving little margin for recovery in a tightly contested league.
Will Jacks to link up with MI
England all-rounder Will Jacks is set to link up with Mumbai Indians later this week after missing the franchise’s first four matches of the IPL.
The 27-year-old took time off following a demanding stretch of cricket, having featured in four of England’s five Tests during The Ashes. He then continued his busy schedule with the white-ball tour of Sri Lanka and the subsequent T20 World Cup, prompting a short break before joining the IPL.
Jacks’ arrival is expected to bolster Mumbai’s options, particularly in the middle order, while also providing a handy off-spin option as the team looks to revive its campaign after a slow start to the season.
Published on Apr 15, 2026
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