Summary of this article
Jasprit Bumrah is captaining MI against PBKS
This is the first time in thirteen years he is leading MI
Check why Bumrah has been given the leadership responsibility
In a historic moment for the franchise, Jasprit Bumrah has been officially named captain of the Mumbai Indians for their clash against the Punjab Kings today.
Mumbai Indians are facing the Punjab Kings on May 14, Thursday, at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala. In a season where MI has already been eliminated from playoff contention, they are playing for pride under unusual circumstances.
Thirteen years after debuting for the Blue and Gold, the 33-year-old speedster steps into the leadership role for the first time in his illustrious IPL career, marking a significant milestone for a player who has represented only one team since 2013.
Why Jasprit Bumrah Was Appointed MI Captain Against PBKS In IPL 2026
The Mumbai Indians find themselves in a unique leadership crisis for their clash in Dharamsala.
The decision to elevate Bumrah was necessitated by the unavailability of both regular captain Hardik Pandya and stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav.
Regular skipper Hardik Pandya remains sidelined, having now missed three consecutive matches due to a persistent back spasm that first surfaced during the clash against Chennai Super Kings.
While Pandya had recently returned to net sessions in Mumbai, he was not cleared by the medical team to travel with the squad, leaving the five-time champions without their premier all-rounder.
Compounding the selection woes is the absence of vice-captain Suryakumar Yadav, who did not travel to Dharamsala due to personal reasons. Having recently become a father following the birth of his daughter on May 7, the franchise reportedly granted the star batter a short break to be with his family, especially with MI already out of the playoff race.
This double blow left a significant leadership vacuum just minutes before the toss, forcing the management to turn to a fresh face to lead the side in this high-altitude encounter.
