with ipl 2026 Nearby, former India opener Aakash Chopra has shared his probable playing XI Mumbai Indians (MI) – and it comes with some 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 what it takes to move on.
IPL 2026: Aakash Chopra’s playing XI for Mumbai Indians
Breaking down his team on his YouTube channel, Chopra selected a batting-heavy lineup with plenty of depth. At the top, he backed the experienced pair Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock, followed by a strong middle order comprising Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav and captain Hardik Pandya.
“My starting combination: Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock, Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Will Jacques, and I am placing Naman Dheer after him at No. 7.” Chopra said.
However, it was his bowling choices that caught the most attention. Chopra chose South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch over veteran fast bowler Trent Boult, while he also favored young Afghanistan spinner Allah Ghazanfar over Mitchell Santner.
“Then I think you should put Corbin Bosch at No. 8, Deepak Chahar at No. 9, Jasprit Bumrah at No. 10 and Allah Ghazanfar at No. 11. Start like this – Allah Ghazanfar’s spin, Corbin Bosch’s bowling and batting. I am not able to make room for Trent Boult in the beginning, even if Mumbai thinks otherwise.”
This combination reflects a clear strategy – balancing the team with multi-skilled players while also bringing an X-factor through Ghazanfar’s mysterious spin. It’s a bold approach, especially leaving out an experienced name like Boult, but it could pay off if the youngsters perform well.
Rohit Sharma eyes Mumbai Indians’ sixth IPL title
While Chopra’s team selection sparked interest, his biggest call was to support Rohit Sharma to finish as Mumbai Indians’ leading run-scorer this season. Despite a relatively average IPL 2025 campaign, Chopra believes the former captain is ready to bounce back.
“Who will be the leading run-scorer of this team this year? Really tough. I am thinking of Rohit Sharma because he plays very little cricket now. He played in January. The series was not good. So he will be hungry.” Chopra explained.
The logic is simple – comfort, inspiration, and a point to prove. With fewer matches in recent months, Rohit is expected to be mentally fresh and physically prepared, which could translate into big performances.
Also read: “It’s about building a legacy…” – Hardik Pandya outlines his IPL 2026 ambitions for Mumbai Indians
Chopra also hasn’t shied away from setting high expectations for MI as a whole.
“This is 100 per cent a team that deserves to win the trophy. If they don’t win, they have themselves to blame, although it’s also true that no matter how good a team is on paper, it doesn’t mean a trophy.”
With a core comprising of proven match-winners like Rohit, Suryakumar, Hardik and Jasprit Bumrah, MI certainly have the potential 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 begin their campaign Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) On March 29, the highlight will be on how this star-studded lineup performs.
Also read: SWOT analysis of Mumbai Indians: MI’s report card ahead of IPL 2026
