Mumbai Indians add Akash Madhwal for IPL 2026 amid suspense over Jasprit Bumrah's availability

The Mumbai Indians (MI) have bolstered their training camp ahead of the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The five-time champions have added former player Akash Madhwal along with two USA bowlers to assist the main squad during practice sessions for their upcoming campaign.

Hardik Pandya's side will kick off their campaign with a match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, March 29. The Mumbai-based team has failed to secure the trophy since their 2020 victory under Rohit Sharma, and they will be hoping to end their trophy drought this year.

Akash Madhwal Joins Mumbai Indians Alongside MI New York Duo

The team management is ensuring that the batters get strong and high-quality pace bowling practice in the nets. According to a recent update shared by Cricbuzz on X (formerly known as Twitter), Akash Madhwal has joined the Mumbai Indians setup as a support bowler.

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Akash Madhwal is accompanied by Rushil Ugarkar and Sunny Patel, who bring good competitive experience from the associated Major League Cricket franchise, MI New York.

These three pacers are currently working as net bowlers rather than replacements. Akash Madhwal picked up 19 wickets in 13 matches for the franchise before a brief stint with the Rajasthan Royals. He went unsold during the recent Indian Premier League 2026 auction.

Jasprit Bumrah Reports to BCCI Centre of Excellence Ahead of IPL 2026

Jasprit Bumrah was asked to report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2026. It was part of a planned workload management program set by the national medical team to keep him fresh for the long season ahead.

The medical staff has given him a special strength and conditioning routine to follow. The main goal is to prepare him well for India’s upcoming tour of England after the IPL. Bumrah is still bowling and working on his skills, and he joined the MI squad on Friday.

He is unlikely to miss Mumbai Indians’ opening match against Kolkata Knight Riders. The Indian team management is expected to stay in touch with him during the tournament. Bumrah remains a key player for MI, having taken 186 wickets for the franchise over the years.

Mumbai Indians Schedule And Squad Updates Ahead Of IPL 2026 Campaign

The Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2026 campaign at home against Kolkata Knight Riders. After the opener, the team will travel north to face Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on April 4.

Mumbai Indians will then take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati on April 7 before returning to the Wankhede Stadium to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The franchise strengthened its squad by signing players like Quinton de Kock in the recent auction.

Mumbai Indians are dealing with an injury to left-arm spin all-rounder Atharva Ankolekar, who is currently sidelined. Meanwhile, fans were happy to see Akash Madhwal share a warm reunion with former captain Rohit Sharma during recent training sessions.

Also read: “Tu to Allan Donald ban gaya hai” - Virat Kohli in awe of Venkatesh Iyer’s stunning delivery in RCB nets