New Delhi: Five time champions Mumbai Indians are preparing to begin their campaign in the Indian Premier League 2026 season, but former South African great AB de Villiers has warned the team about developing a false sense of security around one of their key bowlers.
Mumbai Indians last lifted the IPL trophy in 2020. Since that triumph, the franchise has struggled to return to the final despite possessing a strong squad. During this period the team also went through a major leadership change, with Hardik Pandya taking over captaincy duties from long time skipper Rohit Sharma.
The side continues to boast a powerful batting lineup capable of turning matches single handedly. Rohit Sharma is expected to open alongside either Quinton de Kock or Ryan Rickelton. The middle order features dynamic players such as Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Will Jacks and Hardik Pandya, while uncapped batter Naman Dhir has impressed with his aggressive hitting in recent seasons.
Mumbai’s bowling attack also appears formidable on paper, led by premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. He is expected to receive strong support from New Zealand pacer Trent Boult, whose ability to swing the new ball has troubled many top order batters in the past.
However, De Villiers believes Boult may not be as effective as he once was. He noted that the left arm pacer may have lost some of the sharpness that made him so dangerous between 2018 and 2020, suggesting that opposition teams could look to target him if he proves expensive.
Mumbai Indians will open their IPL 2026 campaign against three time champions Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29 as they aim to return to title winning form after several challenging seasons.
