Mumbai Indians started their 2026 IPL season with a win and broke their jinx as they beat Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets. Kolkata Knight Riders were batting first and they started brilliantly with both the openers taking the attack during the power play. Kolkata Knight Riders had a good finish as they posted a total of 220/4 at the end of the first innings. Chasing that target, Mumbai Indians openers Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton smashed half centuries as Mumbai Indians cruised the chase. They won the match by six wickets and it was a very easy chase for the home side. The fans were thoroughly entertained in this high-octane clash and Mumbai Indians started the season very well.
KKR Captain Ajinkya Rahane Reacts to the Loss
Ajinkya Rahane KKR captain: Feeling okay, just a lot of cramps to my calf and both the calves actually. So hopefully I'll be okay. I mean, just a lot of cramps. It was really tough. I thought 220-225 was a good total. We batted really well, but again, the inexperienced bowling attack. Playing against Mumbai Indians, strong batting lineup, it's a really learning curve for us. Apart from Vaibhav, Karthik, Muzarabani, haven't been used to IPL, two experienced spinners, but I thought Mumbai Indians batted well. So our bowlers will definitely learn. (On his batting) I'm still young, 37, I'm still young, feeling good, but yeah, struggling with my cramps. Happens in Mumbai, a lot of humidity, but really happy the way I'm batting at the moment. (On the bowling) I think when Green starts to bowl soon, the combination will slightly be different. At the moment, we have to see the balance, guys who can bowl well for us, batting-wise, as I said, we batted really well, but finding that balance with the ball is really important. So hopefully, Green starts to bowl soon. (Why Green can't bowl?) That's the question you need to ask Cricket Australia. A lot of positives from the batting side. I thought Kartik bowled well, played a game after a while. I thought he was really good. So yes, as I said, a lot of positives and lots to learn as well
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Hardik Pandya on Mumbai Indians’ Performance
Hardik Pandya | MI captain: It's been a long wait. 13 years is a long time. Very glad, the whole team is very glad that we were finally able to do it. We have seen what this wicket plays like. We knew the wicket was good. 220 is always gettable. Ro and Rickeleon were brilliant. To see that, very nice. Ryan has done really well for this franchise. Quinny understands that. (On Rohit) It's a treat. (On Shardul) I said to him enough hopping of franchises. He has a big heart, really happy for him.
Shardul Thakur: Player of the Match Performance
Shardul Thakur | Player of the Match: I like challenges. Bowling that 6th over was challenging. Today was one of those performances. This ground has given me bitter and sweet memories. To play for Mumbai is special. I was a net bowler in 2010. It's finally happened, I am playing for Mumbai Indians, my home team. I'll be really happy if I stay here. The amount of backing from the management, it's amazing. (On the Lord memes) I like it, it's a name given my people. Not a meme name, but it's a positive thing. When you perform, there'll be love shown by people.
Key Takeaways from MI vs KKR IPL 2026 Opener
It was a very good performance from Shardul Thakur who picked up three wickets in a high scoring encounter. His bowling performance helped Mumbai Indians to restrict Kolkata Knight Riders to a par score which they later chased down. It was a dominant effort from Mumbai Indians and they showed once again why they are one of the best teams in this competition. There were also some strong words from KKR captain Rahane in the post match presentation when asked about not giving the ball to Green. Mumbai Indians start the season well and they will be keen to go all the way.
