Mumbai Indians fans are buzzing after seeing Akash Madhwal training with the team ahead of the IPL 2026 campaign. However, many of them are wondering if the former MI pacer is back in the team as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah.
Madhwal played two seasons for MI in 2023 and 2024, picking up 19 wickets in 13 matches. This included an impressive five-for-five against Gujarat Titans during a league match in 2023, which was his breakthrough season with MI. He has since signed with Rajasthan Royals but played just four matches last season before being released. In the auction in 2026 remained unsold a they had a trial with KKR when they were bidding to replace Harshit Rana.
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Madhwal was seen in a video training session with MI and had a reunion with his former captain Rohit Sharma. The deckhand was quick to show his respect to Rohit, which fans saw as a heartwarming gesture.
However, many of them started speculating whether he was kept on standby to replace Bumrah.
WHERE IS BUMRAH?
Despite MI’s preparations being in full swing ahead of the season opener against KKR, Bumrah visited the BCCI Center Of Excellence in Bengaluru. However, a report from ESPNCricinfo said the fast bowler’s time at the facility is part of a carefully planned workload management strategy.
According to reports from ESPNCricinfo, the BCCI medical staff designed a special strength and conditioning program for Bumrah in the center of excellence. The aim is to keep him in optimum condition for India’s crucial white-ball tour of England in July, which includes five T20Is and three ODIs.
Importantly for Mumbai Indians supporters, the 32-year-old has continued to bowl in Bengaluru and remains actively involved in skill-based training rather than being restricted. However, he has not yet joined the MI squad and seems likely to miss the match against KKR on March 30. MI have another victim in the team, Atharva Ankolekar is out. It remains to be seen whether Madhwal will be used as a net bowler or will be drafted into the side as a replacement.
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Published on:
27 March 2026 22:02 IST
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