Rohit Sharma Out, Quinton de Kock Back? MI's Strongest XI Vs PBKS For IPL 2026 Match 24

MI strongest XI Vs PBKS [Source: AFP]

The Mumbai Indians have a monumental task ahead of them as the five-time IPL champions will take on the rampant Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium. Both teams have had contrasting fortunes in the ongoing IPL 2026, with PBKS remaining the only undefeated side in the competition, while MI have won just a solitary contest.

MI won their opening fixture against KKR, and since then, the side has lost three in a row as the Hardik Pandya-led side looks clueless at the moment. In the last match, MI suffered a crushing defeat against RCB, and that dented their confidence.

In the last three fixtures, neither MI’s batting has worked wonders, nor the bowling has delivered the goods. Hence, against PBKS, their next opponent, the Mumbai Indians will be looking to make a couple of changes, and here is how the team could lineup against Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings.

MI likely playing XI Vs PBKS- IPL 2026, Match 24

Openers and top order: Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock, Tilak Varma

MI suffered a massive jolt in the last IPL game when Rohit Sharma, their star opener, limped off the field due to a hamstring injury. Rohit went for a scan afterward, but his participation in the IPL match vs PBKS remains under dark clouds.

MI management is fearing that Rohit might have torn a ligament, and hence, the team might not take any unnecessary risk and Rohit could be put on the sidelines against Punjab Kings.

In his place, the MI management could bring in Quinton de Kock, who has been warming the bench. De Kock has prior experience of playing for the Mumbai Indians, and alongside Rickelton, he’ll form a deadly opening pair.

At number 3, Tilak Varma would play. The left-handed batter has been woefully out of form, but the team is likely to show faith in the youngster for a couple of more games.

Middle order and all-rounders: Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Naman Dhir, Sherfane Rutherford, Mitch Santner

On paper, the Mumbai Indians' middle order looks strong. In Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, the side boasts two of the most experienced T20 players in the squad.

The duo boasts immense power to take down any attack, but just like Tilak Varma, they have blown hot and cold in the ongoing IPL. The finishing duties will be taken care of by Naman Dhir, and Sherfane Rutherford. Rutherford almost stole the win for MI Vs RCB, and he'll be carrying the same confidence in the game against PBKS.

Mitch Santner can also provide some lusty blows as the team has enough batting depth.

Also Read: Reason For Will Jacks Time-Off In The Middle Of IPL 2026 Revealed

Bowlers: Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah

If the middle order looks strong on paper, the bowling is completely opposite. Jasprit Bumrah has not picked a single wicket in IPL 2026, and he looks a pale shadow of his former self. However, purely on reputation and skillsets, Bumrah will once again lead the attack.

Trent Boult has looked out of touch in the IPL, and he has not been the game-changer that MI expected him to be. In his place, the team could once again show trust in Deepak Chahar, as the Wankhede conditions will offer swinging conditions.

MI probable XI vs PBKS (if Rohit is unfit)- Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Sherfane Rutherford, Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah