Sunil Chhetri joins Mumbai Indians training session for surprise crossover moment
IPL 2026: Sunil Chhetri made a special appearance at the Mumbai Indians' training session at Wankhede Stadium, taking part in a catching drill and sharing a light-hearted moment with the squad. He also received a personalised jersey from skipper Hardik Pandya.
Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri made a special appearance at the Wankhede Stadium during a Mumbai Indians training session, turning heads as he joined players for a fun catching drill in a surprise crossover moment between two sporting worlds. The MI squad also playfully invited him to join the franchise, to which Chhetri responded with a smile and gave a promise.
Chhetri, India’s all-time highest goal-scorer and one of the country’s most respected sporting figures, spent valuable time with Mumbai Indians players and support staff during the session. He was seen interacting with head coach Mahela Jayawardene, captain Hardik Pandya, and key players including Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar, among others, adding a light-hearted and engaging atmosphere to the training ground.
“I haven’t been to the stadium a lot of times, but whenever I have come, it’s an amazing feeling. It’s so good to come and see the sport differently. I wish Mumbai Indians and the fans all the very best for not only this game but throughout the tournament,” Sunil Chhetri was quoted as saying in an MI TV video shared by the franchise.
The Indian football legend was also presented with a Mumbai Indians jersey bearing his name and the number 11 by skipper Hardik Pandya as a gesture of appreciation. Following this, MI posted a video showing Chhetri in conversation with Mahela Jayawardene, capturing several memorable behind-the-scenes moments from his visit.
In the video, a loose ball came Chhetri’s way during the catching drill, and he reacted quickly, collecting it with impressive reflexes and composure. The moment sparked a light-hearted exchange among the MI players, who jokingly suggested that Chhetri should consider joining them on the field. To this, he responded with a smile, “One day, Twelfth man.”
The Mumbai Indians were at the Wankhede Stadium preparing for their upcoming clash against in-form Punjab Kings on April 16. The Hardik Pandya-led side is currently placed ninth on the points table, with a net run rate of -0.772 and two points from their campaign so far, following a recent 18-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the same venue.
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