Rohit Sharma Could Decide Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Clash: Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble believes Mumbai Indians will depend heavily on Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026.

Former India captain Anil Kumble has backed Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton to play a decisive role for Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday. Speaking on Star Sports, Kumble said Rohit’s return after a hamstring injury gave MI a massive lift.

Rohit missed five matches before returning against Lucknow Super Giants, where he smashed an 80-plus score during a chase of more than 225 runs. Kumble praised the veteran opener for making an immediate impact despite a long break from the playing XI. The former India spinner added that Mumbai’s chances against RCB would depend heavily on how Rohit and Rickelton attack during the powerplay.

READ ALSO | Hardik Pandya Set To Miss MI vs RCB Clash; Suryakumar Yadav To Lead Again

“MI have a major boost with the return of Rohit Sharma. In the last game against Lucknow, he came back after a gap of five matches and instantly played a knock of 80-plus runs. It looked like he had never been away from the XI,” Kumble said.

“It is not easy for any batter to sit out for five games and then play such an impactful knock, especially while chasing 225-plus. Against RCB, Mumbai’s chances will depend heavily on how their opening pair of Rohit and Ryan Rickelton perform. Both are in explosive form. If they continue batting the way they have, then Mumbai will have a great chance to seek revenge from Bengaluru,” he added.

Kumble also backed Jasprit Bumrah to rediscover rhythm in the crucial match after a relatively quiet IPL 2026 season, which he linked partly to mental fatigue.

“Jasprit Bumrah will also be keen to do well. He hasn’t had the best season, likely due to mental fatigue. But with only a few games left, Bumrah won’t get a better stage than this ‘Revenge Week’ match to find his rhythm again,” he noted.

MI Face Massive Challenge in IPL 2026 Playoff Race

Mumbai Indians remain barely alive in the IPL 2026 playoff race despite sitting ninth on the points table after a disappointing campaign. MI lost seven of their first 10 matches, leaving the five-time champions with almost no room for error in the remaining league stage.

The side now needs to win all of its remaining four to five matches to reach 14 points and keep qualification hopes alive. However, Mumbai also faces a major Net Run Rate problem after several heavy defeats earlier in the season.

To stay in contention, MI must secure big-margin wins and close the gap on teams such as Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Upcoming clashes against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings now carry knockout-like importance.