Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan has revealed his all-time XI for the Mumbai Indians ahead of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League. Zaheer, who not only represented the Mumbai Indians during his playing career but also served as the franchise’s director of cricket after retirement, selected several legendary names who played crucial roles in MI’s success over the years.

However, his selection sparked discussion among fans as promising youngster Tilak Varma failed to find a place in the lineup despite impressive performances in recent seasons. Tilak joined the Mumbai Indians during the 2022 IPL mega auction and quickly established himself as one of the franchise’s most reliable middle-order batters.

In four seasons with the five-time champions, the 23-year-old has scored 1,499 runs in 54 matches, showcasing consistency and maturity beyond his years. Instead of Tilak, Zaheer opted for England star Jos Buttler at the No. 3 position in his all-time Mumbai Indians XI. Buttler began his IPL journey with MI in 2016 and scored 527 runs in 24 matches across two seasons.

ALSO READ: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Targets Chris Gayle’s 175 Record Ahead Of IPL 2026

Although his stint with the franchise was relatively short, the explosive wicketkeeper-batter later became one of the league’s most dangerous players after joining the Rajasthan Royals in 2018 and continued his impressive form with the Gujarat Titans during the 2025 season.

For the opening pair, Zaheer selected two iconic figures in the Mumbai Indians’ history — Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma. Tendulkar played a pivotal role in the franchise’s early IPL years and even captained the side to the 2010 final. Rohit, meanwhile, remains MI’s most successful captain, leading the team to five IPL titles while also becoming the franchise’s highest run-scorer with 5,876 runs in 227 matches.

The middle order in Zaheer’s lineup features Suryakumar Yadav and Ambati Rayudu. Suryakumar has been one of MI’s most consistent performers with over 3,700 runs in the tournament, while Rayudu played a key role for the team between 2010 and 2017.

ALSO READ: Fans React to BCCI Error Of Naming Shubman Gill As Captain Instead Of Rohit Sharma

For the finishing duties, Zaheer included power-hitters Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya. His bowling attack features pace legends Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga and Trent Boult, while veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh completes the XI as the lone specialist spinner.

Zaheer Khan’s all-time Mumbai Indians XI: Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Jos Buttler, Suryakumar Yadav, Ambati Rayudu, Kieron Pollard, Hardik Pandya, Harbhajan Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Lasith Malinga, Trent Boult.