IPL 2026: MI vs PBKS Match 24 – Who will be Impact Players for today’s match?

Match 24 of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) will see the Mumbai Indians take on the Punjab Kings at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday, April 16.

MI return to their home ground after a difficult start to the season, having lost three of their first four matches. Their campaign has been marred by inconsistency across departments. With pressure mounting, the five-time champions will be eager to regroup and deliver a strong performance in front of their home crowd against a strong and in-form side like Punjab. 

PBKS, meanwhile, have enjoyed a solid start to IPL 2026 and have emerged as one of the in-form sides in the competition. Led by Shreyas Iyer, Punjab have registered three wins in their first four matches. With momentum on their side, they will look to continue their winning run and further strengthen their position on the points table. 

The role of the Impact player in IPL has become increasingly significant, with teams aiming to maximize their combinations and adapt to match situations effectively. Both MI and PBKS will look to utilise this rule smartly as they aim to gain an edge in what promises to be an exciting contest. 

Predicted Impact Players for Mumbai Indians (MI)

Ashwani Kumar: The left-arm pacer from Punjab can be a good back-up option for Trent Boult if MI decides to bench the Kiwi bowler. Ashwani can be a good new ball option. 

Sherfane Rutherford: The big-hitting West Indian was MI’s stand-out batter in their clash against RCB at the same venue. The Hardik Pandya side in all likelihood will use him as an impact sub. 

Corbin Bosch: The Proteas pace bowling all-rounder can be an asset with his all-round skills. He can be a deadly option with both bat and ball in the death overs. 

Robin Minz: The Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter is one of the most highly-rated finishers in domestic cricket. He is yet to feature for MI this season, but certainly gives them a strong option. 

Raj Bawa: The Punjab all-rounder made his debut for the Mumbai Indians in 2025, but has not featured this year for MI. But he can be an asset if given a chance.

Predicted Impact Players for Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Priyansh Arya: Priyansh Arya is PBKS’ most important asset in their batting line-up. He is being used as an impact sub, especially when Punjab iarechasing the target. He takes the game on with his ultra-aggressive approach. 

Harpreet Brar: An experienced left-arm spinner, Harpreet Brar offers a spin-bowling option to Shreyas Iyer’s side. He can bowl economical spells with his tight bowling. 

Vishnu Vinod: A hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter, Vishnu Vinod is coming off after a great domestic season with Kerala. He can be a good backup for Prabsimran Singh. 

Praveen Dubey: Another spin-bowling option, Praveen Dubey played once for PBKS in the 2025 IPL season and is waiting for his opportunity this time around. 

Suryansh Shedge: An outstanding lower-order batter who can contribute with the ball, Suryansh Shedge is known for his attacking batting in the lower order. 

Expert Opinion and Final Prediction

• Home advantage: Mumbai Indians will certainly hold some advantage in Wankhede Stadium, with vast experience of playing at the venue. They know the pitch conditions and dimension of the venue better than any team.
• Recent form: PBKS’ recent form is one of the best in IPL 2026, winning three of their opening four games and having one game against KKR rained out. MI, meanwhile, have lost three out of their last four matches. 
• Balanced side: PBKS are slightly more balanced than MI, with the home side still trying to find the right combination in their playing XI.
• Prediction: With these factors in their favour, expect the Punjab Kings to continue their winning run in IPL 2026.