Rohit, Hardik, Bumrah to join Mumbai Indians camp soon:Shardul Thakur sweats hard in nets ahead of IPL 2026

Five-time champion Mumbai Indians (MI) started their training for IPL 2026 on Monday. On the first day of this pre-season camp held in Mumbai, players focused on fitness and conditioning. Players sweated it out on the field under the supervision of head coach Mahela Jayawardene. Bowling coaches Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey were also present at this camp. Shardul Thakur, Mayank Markande, Allah Ghazanfar, Naman Dhir, Raja Angad Bawa, Robin Minz, Raghu Sharma, Mayank Rawat, Danish Malewar, Mohammad Izhar and Ashwini Kumar participated in the first training session. The session began with fitness and conditioning drills. Players participated in movement drills, agility exercises and fitness tests. ‘First day’s energy is special’ – Mahela Jayawardene Bowling coaches Paras Mhambrey and Lasith Malinga, fielding coach Carl Hopkinson along with the strength and conditioning and physio team were also present during the training session. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene said, ‘’The first day of pre-season is always special. When players come on the field, new energy is visible in the team and this is where the direction of the entire campaign is determined. The team has players who know the franchise well, while some new faces have also joined.” Also read: ‘Dhoni was hitting sixes like he was 23’: GT’s Kumar Kushagra in awe of CSK great’s ‘mindset’; speaks on his IPL 2026 prep According to Jayawardene, the first day sets the tone for the preparation of the entire season. The team has aimed to show complete focus in training and preparation right from the first session. Lasith Malinga, Paras Mhambrey are handling the bowling command
Mumbai Indians have significantly strengthened their support staff this time. On the field, along with Jayawardene, experienced Lasith Malinga as bowling coach and India’s former bowling coach Paras Mhambrey were seen giving tips to players. Also read: Is Lalit Modi set to return to IPL?: Ex-Indian Premier League commissioner in race to buy Rajasthan Royals Meanwhile, fielding coach Carl Hopkinson led the fielding drills. Senior players like captain Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to join the camp in the next few days.

Team looks changed after mini-auction
Mumbai Indians has struck a good balance of experience and youth in their team for IPL 2026. Trent Boult has returned to the team, while foreign players like Quinton de Kock, Mitchell Santner and Will Jacks are strengthening the team. With the addition of Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur, the team’s Indian fast bowling unit appears quite balanced.