Former India batter Abhinav Mukund has backed Will Jacks to find a place in the Mumbai Indians playing XI for their IPL 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, April 29. With Mumbai already dealing with a setback after Mitchell Santner was ruled out due to a shoulder injury, Mukund believes Jacks brings the kind of lower-order power MI have been missing in recent matches.

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo Timeout, Abhinav Mukund felt Jacks is almost certain to come into the side for a game like this, especially against an SRH batting unit that has been among the most dangerous in the tournament. He pointed out that Mumbai’s middle order has not quite fired as expected and that Jacks could offer balance, firepower, and flexibility in the batting order.

“I think, especially against SRH, Will Jacks is a certain starter for me. I definitely believe that this is a game where they will get him in. They need the lower order power as well. Their middle order has been struggling a little bit. I think Jacks will add massive value to this MI side.”

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Abhinav Mukund also addressed where Jacks should ideally bat if selected. Rather than fixing him in one position, he suggested that the English all-rounder works best as a floater who can adapt to the match situation and enter at different stages depending on the demand of the game.

“I think it’s more of a floater. I don’t think he bats at the top of the order. He bats in the middle – 5,6 or 7 – anywhere there based on the entry point. He comes in that zone for me.”

Jacks also has a strong Wankhede memory against SRH, having produced an impressive all-round performance in the same fixture last season. He scored 36 off 26 balls and picked up 2 for 14 in three overs to walk away with the Player of the Match award. Abhinav Mukund further urged MI to avoid unnecessary changes, especially with Quinton de Kock. The South African began IPL 2026 with a brilliant century but has looked out of touch in the last couple of games.

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Still, Abhinav Mukund feels Mumbai should give him another chance before turning back to Ryan Rickelton. “I think MI needs stability… I have a feeling that Quinton De Kock and Rohit Sharma will take part in this particular game. If he fails another game, they might be tempted to bring in Ryan Rickelton.”

De Kock has scored 132 runs in three innings this season at an average of 66 and a strike rate of 162.96.