IPL 2026: Predicting four overseas players MI might use in their playing XI

Chasing balance and match-winners, the Mumbai Indians will again lean on their overseas quartet to tilt tight games. If MI pick four foreigners for IPL 2026, Quinton de Kock, Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner and Will Jacks form a complementary set of an explosive opener, a new-ball strike bowler, a controlling left-arm spinner who bats, and a power-hitting floater.

Quinton de Kock remains one of the safest white-ball bets at the top. A proven wicketkeeper-batter with an impressive limited-overs record, de Kock combines swift starts with the ability to carry an innings when needed, exactly what MI want to set a platform overs. He’s also been active in franchise circuits recently, producing big scores in SA20 and international T20Is, which keeps his short-format form fresh.

Trent Boult brings the new-ball teeth MI values. Boult’s left-arm angle, ability to swing the ball early and experience in subcontinental conditions give MI a clear wicket-taking option up front. He can make early inroads in powerplays and return for attacking spells later. That dual role of new ball strike and tactical first-change dovetails with MI’s usual plan of attacking up front and using variety in the middle.

Mitchell Santner supplies control, middle overs penetration and lower-order batting depth. As a left-arm orthodox who bats in useful positions, Santner ties innings together while remaining a genuine wicket threat through flight and subtle variations. On slow, turning Indian surfaces, he can both choke scoring and pick key wickets, and his batting provides cushion in close chases, which is a combination MI have historically prized.

Will Jacks is the X-factor: a modern, aggressive batter who can also bowl off-spin. Jacks offers the kind of power and range that turns the final six overs, plus the flexibility to move up the order or play as a finisher. His franchise and international outings have shown he can change a game in a single over, making him a valuable fourth overseas pick when MI need late-match fireworks or a tactical bowling option.

Taken together, these four cover what MI need. Selection will depend on pitch maps and matchups, but this quartet gives Mumbai flexibility across formats and phases, and in the IPL, that adaptability often decides tight knockout games.

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