Overview:
Mumbai will rely on Will Jacks and Sherfane Rutherford to end their title drought in the most competitive league in the world.
Mumbai Indians haven’t won an IPL title in a long time, and the team management wants the players to give their best in IPL 2026. MI have one of the strongest squads among the ten franchises. Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis recently highlighted Mumbai’s strength ahead of the 19th season of the league. According to him, Will Jacks and Sherfane Rutherford are like Andre Russell.
MI purchased England all-rounder Jacks in the IPL 2025 mega auction while West Indies batter Sherfane Rutherford was traded from the Gujarat Titans (GT).
Jacks was one of the best performers for the English side in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and won several Player of the Match awards. On the other hand, Rutherford has scored consistently in the shortest format of the game for the West Indies and the franchise leagues across the globe.
“Rutherford was sensational in T20 cricket last year. He has been hitting the ball hard in every competition,” du Plessis said on ESPNcricinfo.
“MI also have Jacks, who can open the innings and also finish the games. He is also a wicket-taking bowler. It is like having two Andre Russells in the team at the moment. The team is looking good,” he added.
Faf compared Jacks and Rutherford to one of the great all-rounders in T20 cricket history. Russell was associated with the Kolkata Knight Riders but announced his retirement after being released by the three-time champions. He has joined KKR’s support staff for the new season.
Mumbai will rely on Will Jacks and Sherfane Rutherford to end their title drought in the most competitive league in the world.