![Mumbai Indians Punjab Kings. [Source - AP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1776292172461_MumbaiIndiansPunjabKings.jpg?type=hq)
Mumbai Indians Punjab Kings. [Source - AP]
Mumbai Indians began the season with a strong win but have since lost three consecutive matches, leaving them desperate to return to winning ways. Currently second from the bottom of the table, they will be hoping to climb up the ladder before it’s too late.
On the other hand, Punjab Kings have been unbeaten, with three wins from their four matches, the only loss coming from a washout in Kolkata. Coming off a brilliant home win, they’ll look to extend their unbeaten run on their trip to Mumbai.
Preview
Mumbai Indians are set to lock horns against Punjab Kings in Match 24 of IPL 2026 on Thursday, April 16. The mouthwatering contest willl take place at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai and will go live for fans at 7:30 PM IST.
Bowling Woes for Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians' bowling attack has been the biggest highlight of their poor season so far. With the worst average in the league at 55 and an economy rate of 11.13, they have struggled to contain runs. Moreover, they have been taking a wicket almost every five overs (29.6 strike-rate), showing their inability to build pressure.
- Mumbai Indians have taken just 5 wickets inside the powerplay in 4 games,
- with an economy of 11.67, the second-worst in the league.
- In the middle-overs (7-16), no team in IPL 2026 has an economy over 10, but Mumbai has conceded at 11.14, underlining their struggles.
- Jasprit Bumrah is yet to take a wicket this season, going wicketless for 4 consecutive games.
Punjab Kings’ Explosive Batting Threat
In contrast, the Punjab Kings have been in fantastic batting form. With a strike rate of 169.59, the second-highest in IPL 2026, they are a formidable force. Mumbai’s bowlers will have their hands full trying to stop them.
- Punjab Kings boast the second-best powerplay strike rate in IPL 2026 at 194.44,
- with openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh averaging 13.91 runs per over— the highest in the league.
- Priyansh Arya leads with a stunning strike-rate of 264.10, the highest for anyone with over 100 runs in IPL 2026.
- Shreyas Iyer, Punjab's top scorer, has 137 runs at a blazing 187.67 strike rate, including two fifties, anchoring the middle-order.
Key Stats
- Mumbai Indians lead the head-to-head record vs Punjab Kings by 17-16.
- Punjab Kings have won 3 of the last five matches vs Mumbai Indians.
- Shreyas Iyer is averaging 96.83 in away games since IPL 2025 - 11 innings, 581 runs, 181.56 strike-rate and 7 50s.
- Tilak Varma is averaging 8.8 in IPL 2026 with 3 of the 4 dismissals coming against spin.
- Punjab Kings have enjoyed batting against pacers more - 42.11 average and 193.36 strike-rate.
- Mumbai Indians spinners have been the most expensive in IPL 2026 - 11.83 economy.
- Meanwhile, Punjab Kings’ spinners have conceded at just 8.2 runs per over in IPL 2026.
- Punjab Kings has the second best six hitting side in IPL 2026 with a six every 8.70 balls.
- Mumbai Indians an average of 15 against left-arm pacers in IPL 2026.
- Yuzvendra Chahal has 20 wickets at 7.92 economy at Wankhede Stadium in IPL.
- No spinner has more wickets against Mumbai Indians than Yuzvendra Chahal in IPL - 30 wickets, 8.08 economy and 16.2 strike-rate.
- Arshdeep Singh has 12 wickets at 7.21 economy and 14 strike-rate at the Wankhede Stadium in IPL.
- Hardik Pandya has got out against Yuzvendra Chahal three times in the last 6 IPL meetings, scoring just 32 off 35 balls.
- Prabhsimran has got out 8 times against left-arm orthodox spinners in 15 innings averaging 11.6 and 106.9 in IPL.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Gives Official Statement On His Injury
Possible Changes
Will Rohit Sharma play in MI vs PBKS?
Rohit Sharma had to leave the field against RCB due to a hamstring issue. His availability for the next game is doubtful. If he does not play, either Quinton de Kock could come in as an overseas replacement, or young Danish Malewar, a talented batter from Vidarbha, might get an opportunity.
Has Will Jacks Joined Mumbai Indians Camp for MI vs PBKS?
Will Jacks is yet to join the Mumbai Indians camp and absolutely not available to be part of Mumbai Indians' playing XI vs Punjab Kings as he is reportedly on his way to India. He was expected to arrive late for IPL 2026, as mentioned earlier in the tournament by head coach Mahela Jayawardene.
What To Expect?
It’s going to be a cracking evening at the Wankhede Stadium, with two strong sides facing off. Shreyas Iyer will be eager to deliver at his home ground and keep excelling his away record in IPL, repeating a brilliant unbeaten 87 off 41 the last time these teams met.
The conditions are expected to be hot and humid, in Mumbai, with chasing still offering an advantage. However, setting a big total is not something Punjab Kings will shy away from, even though all three of their wins so far have come while chasing targets.
Also Read: PBKS Strongest Playing XI vs MI, IPL 2026, Match 24
