IPL 2026: MI receive major boost before CSK showdown as Will Jacks joins squad

It seems that luck is now favoring Mumbai Indians (MI) after the Hardik Pandya-led side defeated Gujarat Titans by a massive margin of 99 runs on Monday, April 20 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Good news for Mumbai Indians

After securing their second win of the season, the Mumbai-based franchise has received a big boost, as England's star all-rounder Will Jacks has joined the squad ahead of their key clash against arch rival Chennai Super Kings on Thursday, April 23.

Also Read: IPL 2026: Injury-hit CSK receive huge boost with star Australian pacer's arrival

The English all-rounder was seen training with his fellow MI players at the Wankhede Stadium. With his arrival several concerns could be addressed, as Jack could open the innings and could bat the middle order, he also offers an option of spin bowling as well.

Jacks is coming after a great T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, winning four Player-of-the-Match for England. Eventually England got eliminated by India in the semi-finals. However, his red-hot form could change things for MI in the points table.

Big feat for Ashwani Kumar

Ashwani Kumar played a key role in Mumbai's comeback win against Gujarat Titans. In the second innings, Ashwani removed GT skipper Shubman Gill on a cheap score of 14 runs off 13 balls. Later, the young speedster dismissed key batters like Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan to help MI cross the finish line.

Ashwani finished the game with a match-winning spell off 4/24, which are similar to the figures recorded by him on his IPL debut against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2025.

While picking up crucial wickets, the left-arm pacer surpassed Jasprit Bumrah to become the youngest MI bowler to take two four-wicket hauls. Bumrah had held this feat since the 2020 season, while before him, the record belonged to Sri-Lankan icon Lasith Malinga.

Ashwin clinched his second four-wicket haul at the age of 24 years and 234 days, significantly younger than Bumrah, who was 26 years 335 days old at the time when he achieved the same milestone for Mumbai Indians in the IPL.