IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians - Know Your Players

IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians - Know Your Players

Mumbai Indians (MI) approached the 2026 IPL auction with a focus on smart, value-driven additions. They re-signed Quinton de Kock for ₹1 crore and strengthened their domestic bench with ₹30 lakh picks like Danish Malewar, Mohammad Izhar, Atharva Ankolekar, and Mayank Rawat. Much of their squad-building, however, was completed earlier in the trade window, where they secured Shardul Thakur, Sherfane Rutherford, and Mayank Markande. ROBIN MINZ

Robin Minz is an exciting left-handed wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand, renowned for his explosive power-hitting and exceptional bat speed. Often likened to his idol MS Dhoni for his finishing prowess and trademark helicopter shot, Minz made a name for himself with standout performances in domestic cricket, playing a key role in Jharkhand’s title-winning run in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

He began his IPL journey when Gujarat Titans signed him for a hefty ₹3.60 crore in the 2024 auction, though an injury kept him out of that season. Mumbai Indians later secured him in the 2025 Mega Auction, and he made his much-awaited IPL debut for the five-time champions on March 23, 2025, against Chennai Super Kings.

Retained for the 2026 season, the 23-year-old now has a valuable opportunity to grow within the MI setup.

DANISH MALEWAR

Danish Malewar, a promising right-handed batter from Nagpur, has earned recognition through consistent performances for Vidarbha in domestic cricket. His impressive run led to his maiden IPL opportunity, with Mumbai Indians signing him for ₹30 lakh at the 2026 auction.

Malewar has played only First-Class cricket so far - scored 1285 runs in 15 matches at an average of 49.42.

ATHARVA ANKOLEKAR

Atharva Ankolekar is a talented slow left-arm orthodox spinner and a dependable lower-order batter. A Mumbai native who honed his game on the city’s iconic maidans, he first grabbed national attention during the 2019 U19 Asia Cup final, where his brilliant 5/28 against Bangladesh powered India to the title. He backed that performance with consistent displays in the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2020, finishing among India’s top wicket-takers.

Recognizing both his potential and local roots, Mumbai Indians signed him for ₹30 lakh at the IPL 2026 auction. For the 25-year-old, this stint presents a significant opportunity to grow under the guidance of elite coaches and experienced players.

MAYANK RAWAT

Hailing from New Delhi, Mayank Rawat is a promising right-handed batting all-rounder who also contributes with useful right-arm off-spin. Impressed by his versatility, Mumbai Indians secured him for ₹30 lakh at the IPL 2026 auction.

Rawat in the Delhi Premier League 2025

Runs: 194, S/R: 151.56, 4s/6s: 14/13

Wickets: 8, E/R: 7.13

MOHAMMAD IZHAR

Hailing from Birpur in Bihar’s Supaul district, Mohammad Izhar is a promising left-arm medium-fast bowler with an attacking mindset. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and mix up his pace cleverly, he keeps batters constantly guessing. Izhar caught attention during the 2025–26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, emerging as Bihar’s standout performer with 9 wickets in 5 matches, including a best of 4/39 against Madhya Pradesh.

His breakthrough year also saw him serve as a net bowler for Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025, where he benefited from valuable guidance under MS Dhoni. Mumbai Indians signed him for ₹30 lakh at the IPL 2026 auction.

RAGHU SHARMA

Born on February 24, 2000, in Punjab, Raghu Sharma is a disciplined right-arm leg-spinner known for his control and classical flight. A consistent presence in domestic cricket, he has represented Punjab, Puducherry, and most recently Uttarakhand, where he impressed in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy with a career-best seven-wicket match haul against Himachal Pradesh.

Mumbai Indians picked him up for ₹30 lakh at the 2025 Mega Auction and retained him for the 2026 season.

With a strong MI core, most of these youngsters are unlikely to get a game(s) this season but the experience they'll gain this season will only help them. How far do you think Mumbai Indians will go in IPL 2026? Comment and tell us. Get your Mumbai Indians jerseys now. Click here.