Table of Contents
Mumbai Indians' difficult IPL 2026 campaign has taken another late twist ahead of their final league match against Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium.
MI are already out of the playoff race and sit near the bottom of the table, but the injury setbacks have continued to disturb a squad that never truly found rhythm this season. With RR needing a win to confirm playoff qualification, Mumbai’s final game is now about pride, home closure and possibly shaping the playoff race as spoilers.
Quinton de Kock and Raj Angad Bawa ruled out
Quinton de Kock has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026 because of a tendon injury in his left wrist. The South African wicketkeeper-batter had started the campaign brightly, including a vintage century against Punjab Kings, but his tournament gradually slowed before injury ended it.
Raj Angad Bawa has also been ruled out after suffering a ligament tear in his right thumb during MI’s away match against Punjab Kings in Dharamshala. Bawa had limited opportunities this season, featuring in three matches. He scored 16 runs in his only meaningful batting opportunity and also picked up two wickets in short bowling spells.
Their absence leaves MI short on batting depth, wicketkeeping cover and all-round flexibility before the Rajasthan Royals clash.
Mumbai Indians sign two replacements ahead of MI vs RR
Mumbai Indians have brought in two replacement players for the injured duo.
Mahipal Lomror has been signed as Quinton de Kock's replacement. The experienced Indian batting all-rounder joins MI for INR 50 lakh. He has played 40 IPL matches and has previously represented Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He has also been part of Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans squads, though he did not get a game there.
Ruchit Ahir has been signed as Raj Angad Bawa's replacement. The 25-year-old domestic player from Saurashtra joins Mumbai Indians for INR 30 lakh. He has played 16 List A matches and 12 T20s.
The signings give MI extra cover late in the season, though their immediate matchday role remains to be seen.
Also READ: MI vs RR match prediction: Who will win Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 match 69?
What it means before MI vs RR
The timing is important because Mumbai’s final league match against Rajasthan Royals has playoff consequences, even though MI themselves are already eliminated.
Rajasthan Royals need a win to seal their place in the top four. Mumbai, meanwhile, can only play spoiler. They have endured a poor season, sitting ninth with only a few bright moments across the campaign. Their wins included a successful 228-run chase against Lucknow Super Giants and a 99-run demolition of Gujarat Titans, but too many defeats and an unsettled combination left them out of the race early.
MI's most recent defeat came against Kolkata Knight Riders, where they managed only 147 batting first and lost by four wickets. That result reflected the batting instability that has followed them through IPL 2026.
Against RR, Mumbai will be playing for pride and for a strong finish in front of their home crowd. Rajasthan will arrive desperate, knowing victory takes them into the playoffs. That makes this Wankhede clash a dangerous final test for both sides: RR have everything to lose, while MI have nothing left to fear.
