MI probable playing 11 for IPL 2026 after auction

Mumbai Indians entered the IPL 2026 mini-auction with the lowest purse. Having already built a well-balanced core, the five-time champions were one of the least active teams in Abu Dhabi. MI arrived at the auction with 20 players already in place and a purse of INR 2.75 crore, needing a maximum of five additions, including just one overseas option.

Their biggest decision was bringing back Quinton de Kock at his base price of INR 1 crore. The South African wicketkeeper-batter, who previously played for MI from 2019 to 2021, has been instrumental at the top. Mumbai then filled their remaining slots with uncapped Indian talents, Danish Malewar, Mohammad Izhar, Atharva Ankolekar, and Mayank Rawat, all picked up at INR 30 lakh each. The Mumbai-based team looks set to back the same combination that finished third in IPL 2025.

Here is Mumbai Indians' predicted playing 11 for IPL 2026

Top-Order: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Suryakumar Yadav

Ryan-Rickelton-and-Rohit-Sharma. (Photo source: X/IPL)

Mumbai’s top order is expected to witness Rohit Sharma opening the innings. While in the last season, he mainly played as an impact player, scoring 418 runs in 15 innings. He is once again expected to give a solid start. He will be accompanied by left-handed batter Ryan Rickelton.

The left-hander impressed in IPL 2025 with his skill set. However, Quinton de Kock is likely to act as Rickelton's backup. At No.3, India's current T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav will be walking in. Mumbai’s highest run-scorer last season, Suryakumar, will be given the responsibility to anchor the innings, while maintaining the flow of runs from one end.