MI probable playing 11 for IPL 2026 after auction

Middle-Order: Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (Captain)

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.