Mumbai Indians have suffered a significant setback in IPL 2026, with Mitchell Santner ruled out of the rest of the tournament after picking up a left shoulder injury against Chennai Super Kings on April 24 at the Wankhede Stadium. The all-rounder has not recovered in time, leaving MI to reshuffle their balance at a crucial stage of the season.
The injury happened in the 17th over when Santner completed a diving catch to dismiss Kartik Sharma. He immediately appeared in discomfort and was later seen with ice on his shoulder and his arm in a sling in the dugout. The incident forced the Mumbai Indians into an unplanned change, with Shardul Thakur coming in as a concussion substitute in the second innings, a move that also sparked debate.
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Santner’s absence comes at a difficult time for MI, who have struggled for consistency throughout the campaign. The five-time champions are currently ninth in the table with just four points and a net run rate of -0.736 after losing five of their seven matches. With the playoff race tightening, every selection call now carries added weight.
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Mitch! 💙 pic.twitter.com/1M36hlUhjo
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) April 27, 2026
To cover Santner’s exit, the Mumbai Indians have signed South African spinner Keshav Maharaj as his replacement. Maharaj brings experience, control, and discipline to the attack and is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most reliable left-arm spinners across formats.
Since making his international debut in 2016, he has built a reputation for squeezing batters and creating pressure through consistency. Maharaj’s rise has been notable. He was named in South Africa’s squad for the 2021 T20 World Cup without having played a T20I, later led the side against Sri Lanka, and made an immediate impact by taking a wicket with his first delivery in the format.
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More recently, he has taken 31 wickets in his last 30 T20 matches, with best figures of 3 for 15. MI will now look to turn things around when they face Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday, April 29, at the Wankhede Stadium.
