Fantasy cricket tips, playing XI, pitch report for the match – 24 captain and vice-captain decisions

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Wankhede Stadium is gearing up for a star-studded blockbuster Mumbai Indians (MI) Host the Undefeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Game 24 of IPL 2026 on April 16. Mumbai’s season has stalled after a win on the opening day and has suffered three consecutive defeats, leaving them 9th in the points table. The biggest headline heading into this clash is the fitness of Rohit Sharmawho is battling a right hamstring injury that he sustained against RCB. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings are the team to beat this season. They sit comfortably in the top three and have shown excellent performances from their young core.

MI vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction: Match 24 Details

Wankhede Stadium Pitch Report

The Wankhede Stadium surface remains a true batting paradise. There have already been breakthroughs by teams at the venue in the 2026 season 220-run mark in all four innings played here. The lightning fast outfield and short boundaries make it almost impossible for the bowlers to defend a total. The throw will be crucial; The captain who wins it will most likely bowl first to take advantage of the evening dew, which makes hunting under the lights much easier.

MI vs. PBKS Likely Game XIs: Injury updates

Mumbai Indians (Probable XI): Ryan Rickelton (wk), Danish Malewar, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Sherfane Rutherford, Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Mayank Markande.

(Note: Rohit Sharma underwent a fitness test on Wednesday. Should he miss out, Denmark’s Malewar is likely to make his debut.)

Punjab Kings (probable XI): Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh.

(Impact Player: Yuzvendra Chahal)

MI vs PBKS Dream11 Team Prediction: Best Fantasy XI

• Wicket keeper: Ryan Rickelton, Prabhsimran Singh
  
• Doughs: Suryakumar Yadav (VC), Shreyas Iyer (C), Priyansh Arya, Tilak Varma
  
• All-rounder: Hardik Pandya, Marcus Stoinis
  
• Bowler: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Xavier Bartlett

MI vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction: Captain and Vice-Captain Selection

• Captain (Shreyas Iyer): With a brilliant 69 off 33 balls, Iyer has been the most consistent midfielder this season.

• Vice-Captain (Suryakumar Yadav): Suryakumar Yadav is a must-see in his homeland. For the bowlers, Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah are essential, although death over specialists will find it difficult.

• X Factor (Priyansh Arya): His .285 batting average in the last game makes him a must-have choice on the power play.

• Differential selection: Cooper Connolly has made a difference in crucial moments for PBKS and could be a worthwhile choice in your fantasy XI.

Also Read: CSK’s ₹4.8 Crore pacer out after shock injury; The Yellow Army suffers a serious blow in the middle of the season