IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians' strongest predicted XI against Rajasthan Royals

Lower order/bowlers: Mitchell Santner, Shardhul Thakur, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Deepak Chahar (Impact player)

The return of Mitchell Santner added more firepower to the Mumbai Indians' bowling attack. He bowled his three overs against DC, giving away just 22 runs and picking up one wicket. Apart from Santner, Mumbai is expected to go pace-heavy due to conditions at Guwahati.

Shardhul Thakur was the Player of the Match against the Kolkata Knight Riders, picking up three wickets in his first game in blue. The pair also add much-needed firepower, lengthening the batting order.

Trent Boult is expected to return to the XI, with the conditions favouring swing bowling. Jasprit Bumrah has been at his economical best, conceding 35 and 21 against KKR and DC, respectively. He is yet to pick up a wicket in the tournament, though, and will be expected to open his account in 2026.

Deepak Chahar would be carded as the impact player, picking up the wicket of KL Rahul against the Delhi Capitals. His batting is an added plus, as he can be subbed in during a collapse as well.

Mumbai Indians Predicted playing XI vs Rajasthan Royals

Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Naman Dhir, Sherfane Rutherford, Hardik Pandya (C), Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah

Impact Player: Deepak Chahar