The Wankhede Stadium will once again be in focus as hosts Mumbai Indians take on Punjab Kings in match 24 of the Indian Premier League 2026 on Thursday, April 16. Both teams have had very different journeys so far this season. MI vs PBKS match preview Mumbai Indians are desperate to bounce back after three straight losses. Led by Hardik Pandya, the five-time champions are sitting ninth on the points table with just one win in four matches. It has not been the kind of start they would have wanted. Their explosive batting lineup has not clicked so far and some of the big T20 names are still searching for form. The bigger surprise has come in the bowling department. Jasprit Bumrah, often regarded as one of the best in the game, is still wicketless after four matches. That is something not many would have expected. Still, this is a franchise that knows how to bounce back. They have done it before, and they will believe they can turn things around again. On the other side, Punjab Kings are the only unbeaten team in the tournament so far and they are full of confidence. Led by Shreyas Iyer, last season’s runners-up have picked up right where they left off. Their top order has clicked nicely with Priyansh Arya in red-hot form. In the bowling department, Yuzvendra Chahal and Xavier Bartlett have been doing a solid job and keeping things under control. MI vs PBKS head-to-head Matches Played: 33 MI won: 17 PBKS won: 16 This rivalry remains one of the most balanced in IPL history, and very little separates the two sides. MI vs PBKS key players Prabhsimran Singh – Known for his aggressive style at the top, Prabhsimran scored a brilliant half-century in the previous match. He will once again be crucial in giving Punjab Kings a strong start. Sherfane Rutherford – Rutherford has been showing flashes of brilliance with the bat. Mumbai Indians might need to push him up the order to get the best out of him. He has the range of shots and the ability to score big runs. Jasprit Bumrah – Despite going wicketless so far, a bowler of his caliber can never be counted out. One good spell is all it takes for him to turn things around. Yuzvendra Chahal – The highest wicket-taker in IPL history brings a lot of experience. Chahal can be a game-changer, especially in the middle overs. MI vs PBKS predicted playing XI Mumbai Indians: Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Mayank Markande, Jasprit Bumrah Impact Player: Sherfane Rutherford Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal Impact Player: Nehal Wadhera MI vs PBKS match prediction Punjab Kings under Shreyas Iyer have been outstanding so far. Everything seems to be clicking for them, whether it is batting, bowling, or the all-round effort. They look like a very settled and confident unit at the moment. Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, have the big names and the quality, but form is a real concern. With Rohit Sharma also dealing with an injury, things are not getting easier for them. Going by current form and momentum, Punjab Kings will enter this match as clear favourites. Prediction: Punjab Kings to win the match Also READ: Will Rohit Sharma be available for MI vs PBKS match at Wankhede? Latest injury update