Former CSK Star Advocates for Batting Order Changes for Mumbai Indians Ahead of IPL 2026 Match
"Move Rutherford up" - Former CSK star suggests major chance in MI batting order ahead of IPL 2026 match vs PBKS
Sportskeeda
Image: Sportskeeda
Ambati Rayudu, a former player for Chennai Super Kings, suggests that the Mumbai Indians should promote Sherfane Rutherford in their batting lineup for the IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings. MI, currently ninth in the points table, aims to improve their performance after struggling in the tournament so far.
- 01Ambati Rayudu recommends moving Sherfane Rutherford up in the batting order.
- 02Naman Dhir could open if Rohit Sharma is unavailable.
- 03Mumbai Indians are currently ninth in the IPL 2026 points table.
- 04Rohit Sharma is MI's leading run-scorer with 137 runs.
- 05MI needs to improve their batting intent to enhance team performance.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Ahead of the IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS), former Chennai Super Kings player Ambati Rayudu has suggested that the Mumbai Indians (MI) should consider promoting Sherfane Rutherford in their batting order. MI, struggling at ninth place with only one win from four matches, faces a crucial game at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 16. Rayudu recommended that if Rohit Sharma is unavailable, Naman Dhir could open alongside Ryan Rickleton, while Suryakumar Yadav could bat at three and Rutherford at four. He emphasized the need for MI's batters to show better intent and not waste deliveries, stating that they should aim to score aggressively from the start. In their last match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), MI fell short despite Rutherford's impressive 71 runs off 31 balls. With Rohit Sharma being MI's top run-scorer this season, the team must adapt their strategy to regain momentum in the tournament.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Improving the batting order could enhance MI's performance and increase fan engagement, especially in a crucial match against a strong opponent.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you think changing the batting order will help MI win against PBKS?
Connecting to poll...
More about Mumbai Indians

Deepak Chahar Sets Unwanted Record in IPL 2026 Match Against Punjab Kings
News 18 โข Apr 16, 2026

Shreyas Iyer Stuns with Incredible Catch as Punjab Kings Defeat Mumbai Indians
Hindustan Times โข Apr 16, 2026

Quinton de Kock Shatters MI Record with 112 Runs Against Punjab Kings
News 18 โข Apr 16, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.

