Mumbai Indians (MI) have strengthened their training camp ahead of the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The five-time champions have also included former player Akash Madhwal as well as two USA bowlers to assist the main team during the practice sessions for their upcoming campaign.
Hardik Pandya’s team will start their campaign with a match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, March 29. Mumbai have failed to secure a trophy since their 2020 triumph under Rohit Sharma, and they will be hoping to end their trophy drought this year.
Aakash Madhwal joins Mumbai Indians along with MI New York duo
The team management is ensuring that the batsmen get practice with strong and high-quality fast bowling in the nets. As per the recent update shared by Cricbuzz on X (formerly known as Twitter), Aakash Madhwal has joined the Mumbai Indians setup as a supporting bowler.
Akash Madhwal is also joined by Rushil Ugarkar and Sunny Patel, who bring good competitive experience from their respective Major League Cricket franchises, MI New York.
These three pacers are currently working as net bowlers instead of replacements. Aakash Madhwal had taken 19 wickets in 13 matches for the franchise before a brief stint with Rajasthan Royals. Recently, he remained unsold during the Indian Premier League 2026 auction.
Jasprit Bumrah reports to BCCI Center of Excellence ahead of IPL 2026
Jasprit Bumrah was asked to report to the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2026. This was part of the planned workload management program set by the national medical team to keep him fresh for the long season ahead.
The medical staff has given him a special strength and conditioning routine to follow. The main aim is to prepare them well for India’s upcoming tour of England after the IPL. Bumrah is still bowling and working on his skills and he joined the MI squad on Friday.
He is unlikely to miss Mumbai Indians’ opening match against Kolkata Knight Riders. It is expected that the Indian team management will be in touch with him during the tournament. Bumrah remains a key player for MI, having taken 186 wickets for the franchise over the years.
Mumbai Indians schedule and team update ahead of IPL 2026 campaign
Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians will start their IPL 2026 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at home. After the opener, the team will head north to face Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on April 4.
Mumbai Indians will take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati on April 7 before returning to the Wankhede Stadium to face Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The franchise strengthened its squad by signing players like Quinton de Kock in the recent auction.
Mumbai Indians are struggling with the injury of left-arm spin all-rounder Atharva Ankolekar, who is currently out. Meanwhile, fans were happy to see Aakash Madhwal warming up to former captain Rohit Sharma during the recent training sessions.
Also read: “Tu toh Alan Donald ban gaya hai” – Virat Kohli surprised by Venkatesh Iyer’s brilliant delivery in RCB nets
