IPL 2026 delivers its second blockbuster match on March 29 (Sunday) — and it is one of the most anticipated rivalries in T20 cricket. Mumbai Indians (MI) host Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Toss at 7:00 PM IST, match at 7:30 PM IST. If you missed Day 1, make sure you don’t miss this one.
This match has everything — Rohit Sharma’s return to big-match cricket, Cameron Green’s ₹25.20 crore debut, and the question of whether KKR can defend their title without injured Matheesha Pathirana. Let’s get into the details.
MI vs KKR Match Details — IPL 2026 Match 2
- Match: MI vs KKR, IPL 2026 Match 2
- Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
- Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026
- Toss Time: 7:00 PM IST
- Match Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Live TV: Star Sports 1 & 2
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar
Mumbai Indians (MI) — Predicted Playing 11
MI come into IPL 2026 a team on a mission. After a disappointing campaign in 2025, Hardik Pandya’s men have restructured their squad significantly. The batting lineup looks very strong with Rohit Sharma back at the top alongside Quinton de Kock, and the exciting Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav in the middle order.
MI Predicted Playing 11: Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Sherfane Rutherford, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Nuwan Thushara (if fit)
Key strength: Jasprit Bumrah is fit and available — he is arguably the best T20 bowler in the world right now and will be MI’s biggest weapon at Wankhede.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) — Predicted Playing 11
KKR have a major injury problem even before the season begins. Matheesha Pathirana, bought for a significant sum in the auction, is recovering from a calf strain from the T20 World Cup and has not yet cleared his fitness test. His availability for the first few matches is very uncertain.
In other changes, Navdeep Saini has replaced the injured Harshit Rana in KKR’s squad. The big talking point — Cameron Green’s IPL debut at ₹25.20 crore, the most expensive overseas player in IPL 2026 history.
KKR Predicted Playing 11: Quinton de Kock (wk), Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer (c), Rinku Singh, Cameron Green, Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, Sunil Narine, Harshit Rana / Navdeep Saini, Varun Chakravarthy, Spencer Johnson
Impact Sub: Angkrish Raghuvanshi / Anukul Roy
Wankhede Stadium Pitch Report — IPL 2026
The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is a batting paradise. The surface is hard and true, the outfield is fast, and the short boundaries mean even mis-hits clear the rope. However, unlike Chinnaswamy, the Wankhede offers slightly more assistance to pacers — especially with the new ball in the first 6 overs. Jasprit Bumrah in the powerplay at Wankhede is one of the most dangerous combinations in all of cricket.
Typical first innings total at Wankhede in recent IPL seasons: 175–195. Teams batting first here tend to be cautious initially before exploding in the last 5 overs. Chasing is also very popular — expect the team winning the toss to field first.
Cameron Green — Can He Justify ₹25.20 Crore?
Cameron Green became the most expensive overseas player in IPL 2026, bought by KKR for a jaw-dropping ₹25.20 crore. The Australian all-rounder is a genuine match-winner — he can hit the ball as hard as anyone in the world AND contributes useful medium-pace with the ball. If KKR can use him as their floating middle-order finisher and give him 10 overs with the ball across the match, he can easily justify that price tag.
His IPL debut at Wankhede against Jasprit Bumrah will be an incredible battle to watch. All eyes will be on Green in this match.
MI vs KKR Head-to-Head Record
One of IPL’s oldest and most passionate rivalries:
- MI and KKR have met 35+ times in IPL history
- MI leads the overall head-to-head record
- At Wankhede, MI have a strong home advantage
- Last season: Both teams had disappointing campaigns and will be motivated to start well
Key Player Battles — MI vs KKR
Jasprit Bumrah vs Rinku Singh
Bumrah’s pinpoint accuracy in the powerplay against Rinku Singh’s death-overs genius — two of India’s most exciting T20 players going head-to-head. Rinku rarely faces the new ball, but if wickets fall, this becomes one of the match’s most exciting potential clashes.
Rohit Sharma vs Varun Chakravarthy
Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin has troubled Rohit in the past. If KKR bring Varun on early in the powerplay to attack the left-handers, this could be a fascinating mini battle.
Cameron Green vs Hardik Pandya
Two all-rounders with the bat who both hit the ball a mile. Whoever contributes more with bat AND ball in this match could be the difference between the two sides.
MI vs KKR IPL 2026 Match Prediction
This is a very close contest on paper. However, we give MI a slight edge at home. Here is why:
- Wankhede is MI’s fortress — they have an outstanding home record here
- Jasprit Bumrah is in peak form and Wankhede suits his style perfectly
- KKR are missing Pathirana — their bowling looks thin without him
- MI’s batting lineup (Rohit + SKY + Tilak + de Kock) is one of the best in IPL 2026
Our Prediction: MI to win IPL 2026 Match 2 — but if Cameron Green fires with both bat and ball, KKR can absolutely pull off an upset at Wankhede.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What time does MI vs KKR IPL 2026 match start?
MI vs KKR IPL 2026 Match 2 starts at 7:30 PM IST on Sunday, March 29 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Is Matheesha Pathirana playing for KKR in IPL 2026?
Pathirana is recovering from a calf injury suffered during the T20 World Cup. He has not yet cleared his fitness test and may miss the first few KKR matches in IPL 2026.
Why was Cameron Green bought by KKR for ₹25 crore?
Cameron Green is one of the best batting all-rounders in the world. His ability to hit the ball hard at the top or bottom of the order, combined with his useful medium-pace bowling, made him extremely valuable at the IPL 2026 auction.
Who is the captain of KKR in IPL 2026?
Shreyas Iyer is the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026, with Rinku Singh as vice-captain.
Who is the captain of MI in IPL 2026?
Hardik Pandya continues as captain of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026.
Where to watch MI vs KKR IPL 2026 live?
Watch live on Star Sports 1 and 2 on TV. Stream online on JioHotstar app and website.