It is not certain that Rohit Sharma, who was injured, will play against RCB. MI may have to make changes in opening and bowling. Tilak Verma’s form is raising concerns, while a high-scoring match is expected at Wankhede.
MI vs PBKS Match Today: In the 24th match of IPL 2026, there will be an exciting match between Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings today on 16th April. This match to be held at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai will be played from 7.30 pm. Both the teams have reached the venue. However, Rohit Sharma’s injury is a cause of concern for Mumbai. Rohit had a hamstring problem while playing against RCB in the last match, after which he retired. In such a situation, there is doubt whether he will be able to play in today’s match or not.
Doubt over Rohit Sharma’s play
If Rohit is not available, Mumbai Indians may have to make changes in the opening. The team can bring an experienced batsman like Quinton de Kock for the opening. But if this is done then one foreign player will have to sit out. If the team wants to retain these three, then Vidarbha opener Danish Malewar can be given a chance. On the other hand, if MI wants to make changes in the bowling and replace Boult with Ashwini Kumar, then it will be easier to include De Kock in the playing eleven.
Performance of Bumrah and Arshdeep: Decline in figures
Jasprit Bumrah has not been able to take a single wicket so far this season, which is a matter of concern for the team. At the same time, Arshdeep is giving away a lot of runs in IPL this time. His economy rate is 10.64, which is close to his debut season 2019 (10.90). However, his performance has been better in the death overs, where he has given an average of only 8.50 runs. But he has not been able to take a single wicket in the powerplay in the last 10 matches.
Tilak Verma’s poor form: MI hopeful
Tilak Verma has been out against spin bowlers three times out of four matches. His highest score is just 20 runs and the average is 8.75. When Tilak is in form, he plays a very important role at number 4. He has the ability to connect the top and lower order of the team. MI will hope that he returns to form soon and strengthens the team’s batting.
MI vs PBKS: Interesting clash between players
Many interesting battles can be seen in the match against Punjab Kings.
- Ryan Rickleton’s performance will be special against left arm fast bowlers. His strike rate against Arshdeep is 139 and he has been out twice.
- Rickleton has been out three times against Marco Yanson, but has scored at a strike rate of 152.
- Trent Boult has dismissed Prabhsimran Singh three times and given only 31 runs. Yuzvendra Chahal will be a challenge for MI in the middle overs. He has dismissed Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya four times each.
MI vs PBKS: Wankhede Stadium pitch-weather update
Scores of 220 or more have been made in all four innings of this IPL season at Wankhede Stadium. This shows that the pitch is favorable for the batsmen and a high-scoring contest is likely to be witnessed. The temperature has increased in Mumbai and ‘Orange Alert’ has been issued. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 35°C, but humidity will be quite high. There was a lot of dew here in the last match. Although RCB won the match by batting first, chasing the target is generally considered easier here. Thursday evening’s match can be challenging for the players.
PBKS vs MI: Head-to-Head
So far 34 matches have been played in the IPL between MI and PBKS, in which Mumbai has won 17 while Punjab has won 16. At the same time, one match was tied, which was won by Punjab in the super over. 10 matches have been played between the two teams at Wankhede, out of which both the teams have won 5-5 matches.