Predicted MI Playing XI vs RCB: Question over Hardik Pandya’s fitness, Mohammed Izhar to make IPL debut?

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel had hinted at the franchise testing players on the bench to prepare for the next Indian Premier League (IPL). Axar realises that the season is done. Perhaps it’s time for the Mumbai Indians (MI) to admit it as well. At best, Mumbai can end with 14 points.

Considering two teams, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans, already got 7 wins in 11 matches each, and 3 other teams are at 12 points, the train for the IPL 2026 Playoffs has already left the station for Mumbai. Therefore, now might be the time for the 5-time champions to start preparations for the next year.

IPL debut for Mohammed Izhar?

Due to injuries and poor results, Mumbai have already tried 23 players. Now, they must test those whom they haven’t. Deepak Chahar played the last game and once again failed to pick up a wicket in the powerplay. Therefore, now might be the time to hand Mohammed Izhar his IPL debut.

The left-arm pacer was opening the bowling for Bihar in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. They’ve tried Krish Bhagat, and he hasn’t shown that he belongs. Perhaps Izhar will. His inclusion can’t do any harm to Mumbai, considering they’ve won just 4 matches out of 10.

Mumbai Indians had bought the left-arm fast bowler for INR 30 lakh at the auction | Image Credit: Mohammed Izhar/Instagram

Is Hardik Pandya fit for selection?

Contrary to reports, MI captain Hardik Pandya did join the team in Raipur. However, the all-rounder hasn’t trained at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) match on May 10. He will be assessed by Mumbai’s medical team on May 8 and May 9. But we don’t know much about the results.

Suryakumar Yadav has made himself available for the match and will join the team. Initially, he hadn’t travelled with the team as he welcomed his first child, a daughter, on May 7.

Predicted MI Playing XI vs RCB

S. No.PlayerRole

1	Ryan Rickelton(wk)	Wicketkeeper
2	Naman Dhir	Top-order batter
3	Suryakumar Yadav	Middle-order batter
4	Tilak Varma	Middle-order batter
5	Hardik Pandya (c)	All-rounder (pace)
6	Will Jacks	Batting all-rounder (spin)
7	Corbin Bosch	Bowling all-rounder (pace)
8	Mohammed Izhar	Left-arm fast bowler
9	Allah Ghazanfar	Mystery spinner
10	Jasprit Bumrah	Right-arm fast bowler
11	Raghu Sharma	Leg spinner
Impact Sub	Rohit Sharma	Opener

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