Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Faf du Plessis has made a bold statement about Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2026, claiming their finishing firepower is comparable to having “two Andre Russells” in the squad. Du Plessis was particularly impressed with the presence of Sherfane Rutherford and Will Jacks, highlighting how the duo adds serious depth and versatility to MI’s lineup. With both players capable of contributing with bat and ball, Mumbai’s balance looks stronger than ever heading into the new season.

“If you followed Rutherford last year, he was as hot as it can get in terms of T20 cricket,” Faf du Plessis said, underlining the West Indian’s red-hot form.

Rutherford has been one of the most destructive finishers in recent T20 cricket. In 2026 alone, he scored close to 250 runs in just eight T20I innings at an astonishing strike rate of 186.4. Across franchise leagues, his ability to maintain a strike rate above 150 makes him a genuine match-winner in the death overs. His move from the Gujarat Titans to the Mumbai Indians for ₹2.6 crore now looks like a smart acquisition, especially given MI’s struggles to finish games last season.

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Faf du Plessis then shifted focus to Jacks, who has reinvented his game in recent months. “Then you have Jacks, who has revived himself — not just as an opener but adding finishing power and his off-spin,” he added.

Jacks may not have had the best IPL previously, but his performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup for England tells a different story. He scored 226 runs at a strike rate of 176.56 and also picked up nine wickets, showcasing his all-round impact. “It’s like having two Russells in your team, almost, at the moment. Their team is looking unbelievable,” du Plessis concluded.

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The comparison with Russell — a proven match-winner for Kolkata Knight Riders — highlights just how dangerous MI’s middle order could be this season. Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29, with expectations soaring around their revamped squad.