IPL 2026: Why MI players are wearing black armbands vs SRH in Match 41?

The Mumbai Indians’ (MI) squad are all seen wearing black armbands during their game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Wednesday, April 29, at the Wankhede Stadium.

The five-time champions are paying homage to the unfortunate demise of the daughter of one of their support staff. The team, known for their close bond, once again shows why they consider the team to be a family. 

“Due to the untimely demise of our support staff’s daughter, Mumbai Indians players are wearing a black armband today, in remembrance of her and solidarity with the family,” MI’s social media account said. 

It is worth mentioning that this is not the first time that a team has been seen wearing black armbands in this season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Both the Chennai Super Kings and the Kolkata Knight Riders were seen wearing black armbands earlier this season to pay tribute to former India cricketer CD Gopinath, who sadly passed away aged 96. 

CSK also wore black armbands last week in their game against the Mumbai Indians to pay tribute to Mukesh Choudhary’s late mother. 

Despite the sadness surrounding the MI side against SRH, the hosts made a great start to their innings. They were 78 without the loss of a single wicket at the end of the powerplay, with returnees Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks taking on the new-ball bowlers. 

MI desperately need a win to still be in with a chance to qualify for the playoffs. Hardik Pandya’s side are currently ninth in the standings, having picked up just four points from their first seven matches. They have lost four matches out of their last five matches.