Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan revealed his Mumbai Indians taking part in XII for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Notably, the cricket professional not noted Indian pacer Shardul Thakur, South Africa opener Ryan Rickelton, and England all-rounder Will Jacks from the Mumbai Indians lineup.
The IPL 2026 will start in Bengaluru on Saturday, March 28. Mumbai Indians will begin their marketing campaign in opposition to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on the Wankhede Stadium the next day. Hardik Pandya led the five-time champions to the playoffs in 2025 earlier than shedding to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 2.
Irfan Pathan Picks Mumbai Indians Enjoying XII for IPL 2026
In a video shared on his YouTube channel on Thursday, March 19, Irfan Pathan picked his Mumbai Indians taking part in XII. He backed veteran Rohit Sharma and South African star Quinton de Kock to open the innings for the Mumbai Indians within the upcoming event.
Your day by day dose of cricket!
Following the opening pair, the previous all-rounder chosen a center order that includes current T20 World Cup 2026 stars. He named Tilak Varma at quantity three, adopted by T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and skipper Hardik Pandya at quantity 5.
Pathan famous that the Mumbai Indians administration would possibly face a tricky selection between Sherfane Rutherford and Will Jacks. He backed the explosive English all-rounder for the quantity six function, whereas putting Naman Dhir within the finisher’s place at quantity seven.
Pathan picked a bowling assault with three frontline pacers, together with Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, and Trent Boult. He chosen Afghanistan’s Allah Ghazanfar because the lone specialist spinner.
For the Impression Participant rule, the Baroda cricketer picked leg-spinner Mayank Markande over veteran Shardul Thakur to finish his 12-man squad.
Irfan Pathan’s MI Enjoying 12 for IPL 2026:
Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Will Jacks, Naman Dhir, Deepak Chahar, Allah Ghazanfar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah. Impression Participant: Mayank Markande.
Indian Core Will Be Extraordinarily Spectacular – Irfan Pathan Backs Mumbai Indians’ Power
Throughout the identical video, Irfan Pathan mentioned that the Indian core stays the largest energy of Mumbai Indians. He emphasised that they’ll enter the event with confidence after delivering match-winning performances for India in the course of the T20 World Cup 2026.
“Suryakumar Yadav, the World Cup-winning captain, is on this workforce. Jasprit Bumrah, who was near the Man of the Event title and the participant who received the Man of the Match within the remaining, is in stable type in your workforce,” Pathan mentioned.
“Hardik Pandya, the all-rounder, can also be in your workforce as captain, together with Tilak Varma, who has performed a number of roles and is a part of your squad as properly. The Indian core, which is their energy, can be extraordinarily spectacular. The arrogance after successful the World Cup can be seen in them as they step onto the sector.”
After their opener, Mumbai Indians will face Delhi Capitals (DC) in Delhi on April 4. They’ll then journey to Guwahati to play in opposition to Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 7, earlier than returning dwelling to tackle Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 12.
Additionally learn: “Liam Livingstone would have been stunned” – Ex-India opener questions England star’s ₹13 crore price ticket


