Thanks to four Player of the Match awards in the Men’s T20 World Cup for his all-round exploits, Will Jacks was expected to be a vital cog for Mumbai Indians in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
But his delayed arrival had fans moving from “When will Jacks join?” to “Will Jacks ever join?” before the England allrounder finally linked up with the squad ahead of last week’s humbling at home against Chennai Super Kings.
Come Wednesday, against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Jacks is set to make his first appearance of the season — and do so under pressure, with MI’s campaign already teetering. With five defeats in seven games, there is little room for a settling-in period.
ALSO READ | IPL: Mumbai Indians announces Keshav Maharaj as replacement for injured Mitchell Santner
Jacks put in a long session at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday evening, a sign that he is ready to slot straight in. With Mitchell Santner ruled out for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury sustained against CSK, Jacks appears a certainty in the XI.
His inclusion offers balance. With Hardik Pandya yet to fire consistently with the bat, Jacks’ finishing credentials add much-needed depth to a line-up that has flattered to deceive. His off-spin, meanwhile, could prove equally valuable against SRH’s left-hand-heavy batting artillery.
For a side searching for momentum, the hope — perhaps even the gamble — is that one performance can trigger a turnaround. With both Hardik and head coach Mahela Jayawardene looking for answers, Jacks’ arrival comes at a critical juncture.
The question now is simple: can he be more than just another addition — can Will Jacks turn out to be MI’s last ray of hope?
Published on Apr 27, 2026