With IPL 2026 just around the corner, former India opener Aakash Chopra has shared his predicted playing XI for Mumbai Indians (MI) – and it comes with a few surprising twists. Known for their star-studded lineup, MI once again look like one of the strongest contenders this season, and Chopra believes they have everything it takes to go all the way.
IPL 2026: Akash Chopra’s playing XI for Mumbai Indians
Breaking down his team on his YouTube channel, Chopra went for a batting-heavy lineup with plenty of depth. At the top, he backed the experienced duo of Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock, followed by a strong middle order featuring Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav and captain Hardik Pandya.
“My opening combination: Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Will Jacks to begin with, and I am keeping Naman Dhir after him at No. 7,” Chopra stated.
However, it was his bowling choices that grabbed the most attention. Chopra opted for South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch ahead of seasoned pacer Trent Boult, while also backing Afghanistan’s young spinner Allah Ghazanfar over Mitchell Santner.
“Then I am thinking you should keep Corbin Bosch at No. 8, Deepak Chahar at No. 9, Jasprit Bumrah at No. 10 and Allah Ghazanfar at No. 11. Start like that – Allah Ghazanfar’s spin, Corbin Bosch’s bowling and batting. I am not able to make a place for Trent Boult at the start, even though Mumbai might think differently.”
This combination reflects a clear strategy – balance the side with multi-skilled players while also bringing in an X-factor through Ghazanfar’s mystery spin. It’s a bold approach, especially leaving out an experienced name like Boult, but one that could pay off if the youngsters deliver.
Rohit Sharma backed to shine as MI eye sixth IPL title
While Chopra’s team selection sparked interest, his biggest call was backing Rohit Sharma to finish as Mumbai Indians’ highest run-scorer this season. Despite a relatively average IPL 2025 campaign, Chopra believes the former captain is primed for a comeback.
“Who will be the highest run-scorer of this team this year? Really tough one. I am thinking Rohit Sharma because he plays very little cricket now. He played in January. The series didn’t go well. So he will be hungry,” Chopra explained.
The logic is simple – rest, motivation, and a point to prove. With fewer matches in recent months, Rohit is expected to be mentally fresh and physically ready, something that could translate into big performances.
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Chopra also didn’t shy away from setting high expectations for MI as a whole.
“This is 100 percent a team worthy of winning the trophy. If they don’t win, they will have only themselves to blame, although it’s also true that no matter how good a team is on paper, it doesn’t mean the trophy.”
With a core that includes proven match-winners like Rohit, Suryakumar, Hardik, and Jasprit Bumrah, MI certainly have the firepower to challenge for the title once again. Chopra even hinted that anything less than a strong title push would raise serious questions.
As MI prepare to kick off their campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 29, the spotlight will be firmly on how this star-studded lineup performs.
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