Mumbai Indians Kick Off IPL 2026 Training: What to Expect from the Champions

The Mumbai Indians have officially started their training for the IPL 2026 season, welcoming a mix of seasoned players and new faces. With the tournament set to begin on March 28, the team is gearing up for a strong campaign. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene emphasized the importance of the first training session, highlighting the energy and intent needed for success. Key players like Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to join soon, as the team prepares for their opening match against the Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29. Stay tuned for more updates on the champions' journey this season.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 12:52 IST

Mumbai Indians Begin Preparations for IPL 2026

Mumbai: The Mumbai Indians, who have clinched the IPL title five times, commenced their training on Monday in anticipation of the upcoming Indian Premier League season set to kick off on March 28.

The initial group of players to report for training included Shardul Thakur, Mayank Markande, Allah Ghazanfar, Naman Dhir, Raja Angad Bawa, Robin Minz, Raghu Sharma, Mayank Rawat, Danish Malewar, Mohammad Izhar, and Ashwani Kumar.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mumbai Indians (@mumbaiindians)

The remaining squad members, including stars like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and captain Hardik Pandya, are anticipated to join the training camp shortly as the team ramps up its preparations for the tournament.

MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene expressed, “The first day of pre-season always carries a unique excitement. Watching the players arrive and the energy build is invigorating. Our goal is to start strong. We have familiar faces in the squad and some thrilling new additions.”

He added, “The first day sets the tone for our entire season. We want everyone to grasp the intent from the very first session, in our training, preparation, and support for one another. While the first session is thrilling, it marks the beginning of serious work towards our goals.”

The training session commenced with a well-structured fitness and conditioning segment, where the strength and conditioning team guided players through movement drills, agility exercises, and fitness evaluations.

The Mumbai Indians, who reached the playoffs last season, will kick off their 2026 campaign against the Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29 at the Wankhede Stadium.