Mumbai Indians (MI) is one of the most successful teams in the history of the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL). The five-time champions failed to qualify for the finals and were eliminated in Qualifier 2. After two disappointing seasons, MI will bounce back this season and win their sixth IPL trophy.
They are set to play their first game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The Hardik Pandya-led side will start with a win against the three-time champions. However, ahead of the IPL, it is a headache for them to choose their four foreign players in the playing eleven.
It’s like having two Russells- Faf du Plessis
Former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Faf du Plessis has dropped his comments on the two foreign players that Mumbai Indians could play. Faf discussed the importance of Will Jacques and Sherfane Rutherford and compared the combination to Andre Russell.
“If you’ve watched Rutherford’s last year, he’s just as hot in terms of T20 cricket. He’s in every competition he’s playing, he’s smoking the ball. Then you’ve got Jack, who has revitalized himself, now he’s adding power and finishing with his off-spin.”
“So, it’s a huge luxury that they have in terms of two really strong roles. It’s almost like having two Russells in your team at the moment. Their team is looking incredible.” Faf du Plessis said on ESPN Cricinfo.
Will Jacques was extraordinary for England
Jack had a fantastic ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with England scoring 233 runs at an average of 13.33 and an economy of 9.75 and taking 9 wickets. He came to bat during the death overs and was given the role of finisher for the team and he did the job very well.
He will be seen playing for Mumbai Indians and will also work in the upper order or lower middle order. He played as a floater last season, batting at No. 3 most of the time for the five-time winners.
Will Mumbai Indians be able to win their sixth title?
Sherfane Rutherford was bought from Gujarat Titans (GT) ahead of the IPL mini-auction. This West Indies all-rounder also performed well with the bat in the T20 World Cup. Last season with GT, he scored 291 runs with a strike rate of over 157 and made a massive impact in the middle order.
Mumbai Indians have been one of the strongest teams on paper over the last few years. In the 2024 season, newly appointed Hardik Pandya failed to take the team to the playoffs and finished at the bottom of the table. The following season, despite a slow start, they picked up the pace and qualified.
Mumbai Indians have players like Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton. Considering the strong middle order, they may not play these two in the team, only one player will play in the eleven, and they need a foreign fast bowler, which will be Trent Boult.
Also Read: ‘Ask the groundsmen to make spin-friendly pitches’: Faf du Plessis helps Abhishek Nair lead KKR ahead of IPL 2026