IPL 2026: ‘Plenty of questions’ - Aakash Chopra dissects MI’s bowling combinations amid ongoing struggles

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has pointed out Mumbai Indians’ selection dilemma ahead of their IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He noted that Mumbai Indians are facing multiple bowling combinations headaches, with almost all their bowlers proving expensive so far this season.

Chopra highlighted that only Jasprit Bumrah has maintained an economy rate under 10 in IPL 2026, making him the lone consistent performer in the attack. He added that MI will likely have to choose between Trent Boult and Corbin Bosch, as well as between Deepak Chahar and Ashwani Kumar in the seam bowling department.

"Plenty of questions. A good team, but you (MI) have lost two of the three matches. It's not a good story. Will you stay with Trent Boult? If you want to stay with Trent Boult, you will have to bowl him more overs with the new ball. Do you want to stay or go? You will have to answer that question," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

"Do you want to keep Deepak Chahar or play Ashwani Kumar? You will have to answer that question as well because the bowling is struggling. Only one bowler has an economy in single digits. Everyone else, who has played two or more matches, is in double digits," he added.

Chopra also raised a selection debate for RCB ahead of their IPL 2026 clash against MI, suggesting whether they should bring in Jacob Bethell in place of Phil Salt. He pointed out that Bethell had smashed a brilliant century in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against India at the same venue, making a strong case for his inclusion in the playing XI.

"If you (RCB) lose this, your situation will be like Delhi's, with two wins and two losses. I have a suggestion for you. Do you want to play Jacob Bethell in place of Phil Salt? Phil Salt doesn't keep in any case. Jitesh Sharma is doing the keeping," said Chopra.

"I am thinking about Jacob Bethell because of how well he batted at this ground. He was absolutely brilliant in the T20 World Cup semi-final. Would you want to play him? Phil Salt is not scoring runs. You can make Devdutt Padikkal open. Bring Bethell in place of Phil Salt, and keep him at No. 3," he added.