![3 MI players who may not get a game in IPL 2026 [Source: @abhaysingh_13/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1774365381428_3MIPlayerswhomaynotgetagameinIPL2026.jpg?type=hq)
3 MI players who may not get a game in IPL 2026 [Source: @abhaysingh_13/X.com]
Mumbai Indians, 5-time champions, will kick start their IPL 2026 season campaign on March 29 against KKR at the Wankhede Stadium. This year, MI have promised its fans the 6th piece of silverware.
MI have always been one of the most dominant teams of the tournament, with their squad laced with star-studded names. Rohit Sharma guided Mumbai to five titles under his captaincy.
Now, the baton has passed to Hardik Pandya. Last year, MI qualified for the playoffs but lost the eliminator to the Gujarat Titans. Regardless, this season, the Mumbai Indians have a better set of players to form a winning combination.
However, the squad also consists of players who just warm the bench as backups throughout the season. On that note, here are three such players who may not play a single game for MI in IPL 2026.
Robin Minz
Why Robin Minz might not get a single match for MI in IPL 2026?
- A young wicket-keeper batter from Jharkhand, Robin Minz, is expected to be benched by MI in the IPL 2026 season. He was acquired by the franchise last year for INR 65 lakhs and made his debut later that year.
- Minz became one of the first tribal cricketers to get an IPL contract. His speciality is explosive hitting with raw power.
- However, in IPL 2026, he doesn’t fit into the combination at all. For the wicket-keeping role, MI have two quality overseas options in Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton.
- Mumbai bought de Kock for just INR 1 crore, and he is most likely to start as an opener with Rohit Sharma. Since Protea is an experienced bloke who played for MI in the past, he is a no-brainer first-choice wicket-keeper.
- Moreover, in case QDK is unavailable, Mumbai may opt for Ryan Rickelton. So either way, Robin Minz is unlikely to get a single game in IPL 2026.
Also Read - Jasprit Bumrah To Miss IPL 2026? Mumbai Indians Pacer Shows Worrying Signs
Allah Ghazanfar
Why Allah Ghazanfar might not get a single match for MI in IPL 2026?
- Allah Ghazanfar is another exciting young spinner emerging from Afghanistan’s growing talent pool. The 20-year-old was picked up by the Mumbai Indians for INR 4.80 crore at the previous mega auction, but he did not feature in a single match during the 2025 season.
- A similar scenario could unfold in IPL 2026 as well. Mumbai already has a strong spin-bowling unit, with Mitchell Santner and Will Jacks offering both control with the ball and significant contributions with the bat.
- Jacks, in particular, has evolved into a reliable lower-order finisher while also being capable of completing his full quota of overs.
- Additionally, Ghazanfar faces stiff competition from Mayank Markande, who remains a proven option in Indian conditions.
- Hence, in IPL 2026 as well, Allah Ghazanfar could be seen warming the bench for MI.
Danish Malewar
Why Danish Malewar might not get a single match for MI in IPL 2026?
- A young 22-year-old talent, Danish Malewar, may not get a single game in the IPL 2026 season. He rose to fame after scoring a double century on his Duleep Trophy debut.
- Not only that, but Malewar scored 783 runs in his debut Ranji Trophy season. He unusually bats at no. 3 and is often compared to the likes of Rahul Dravid and Cheteshwar Pujara.
- Hence, eyeing his potential, MI secured him for the upcoming IPL season as backup.
- However, the Mumbai Indians already have a world-class batting lineup featuring Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya. Amid such starry names, Danish Malewar will find it difficult to find a spot for himself.
Also Read - Mumbai Indians' Record At Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Before IPL 2026
