![Mumbai Indians get Santner's replacement [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1777302066682_MumbaiIndiansnameKeshavMaharajasMitchellSantnerreplacement.jpg?type=hq)
Mumbai Indians get Santner's replacement [Source: AFP]
In a major setback, the Mumbai Indians lost New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner to a big injury, which ruled him out for the IPL 2026 season. However, the five-time champions didn’t waste any time in calling in reinforcements.
Santner was a huge piece of MI’s bowling lineup as their prime spinner. In 4 games, he picked up 5 wickets with a decent economy. However, an unfortunate injury doomed his future in the ongoing tournament.
Mumbai Indians sign Keshav Maharaj
For context, Mitchell Santner got severely hit on his left shoulder and his bowling arm while fielding against CSK and was subbed out. He had his shoulder strapped in the dressing room during the entire game.
Meanwhile, after scans and necessary evaluation, the Mumbai Indians came to the conclusion that Santner’s injury is severe enough to rule him out for the entire IPL 2026 season.
However, as confirmed by IPL, MI have signed a replacement as Keshav Maharaj has joined the squad this week. He will be paid INR 75 lakhs for his services to Mumbai.
Maharaj is an experienced South African veteran who previously played 2 games for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024. Overall, he has played 54 T20Is for South Africa and 45 games in SA20.
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Santner’s injury caused a big controversy
That being said, during the MI vs CSK game in IPL 2026, Mitchell Santner injured his shoulder while trying to take a catch. However, despite the injury being to his shoulder, MI successfully requested Shardul Thakur as a concussion substitute.
However, fans raised questions on social media, as according to ICC and IPL playing conditions, a concussion substitute is only permitted if a player sustains a head or neck injury and shows symptoms of a clinical concussion.
A shoulder injury, by definition, does not qualify for a concussion sub. Regardless, the Mumbai Indians later clarified that Mitchell Santner also banged his head on the ground along with his shoulder and hence, the concussion call was absolutely justified.
MI plunge to a new low in IPL 2026
Meanwhile, Mitchell Santner’s injury substitute also couldn’t save the Mumbai Indians as they lost to CSK by 103 runs. Chasing the 208-run target, MI plunged to 104 with Tilak Varma being the highest run getter at 37 runs.
That marked MI’s fifth loss of the season, and with just 4 points in the table, the five-time champions dropped to 9th place on the points table.
The Mumbai Indians are going through a rough time with Rohit Sharma already out for a few weeks due to a hamstring injury. Now, losing Mitchell Santner, a key bowling all-rounder, could further deplete their squad strength.
MI will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 29 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
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