Mitchell Santner for Mumbai Indians (Source: AFP)
After a comprehensive win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Indians received some wonderful news before facing Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL 2026.
The five-time champions had two important overseas players – Will Jacks and Mitchell Santner – unavailable for the MI vs KKR match. Given that MI bowlers struggled against KKR, barring Jasprit Bumrah, it was a worrying area for the Hardik Pandya-led side.
Now, they got a superb news, as one of them is ready to feature in their upcoming fixture against DC in Match 8 of IPL 2026 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
Mitchell Santner Joins Mumbai Indians Camp In Delhi
As reported by Cricbuzz, Santner has arrived in Delhi to make himself available for the MI vs DC match.
The New Zealand captain was out for the KKR match due to personal commitments, but now he is set to return to action.
Also Read: Hardik Pandya Reveals Special Chat With Shardul Thakur After Match-Winning Spell Vs KKR
Santner played 13 matches in IPL 2025, his most appearances in a single edition of the competition. He was excellent with the ball, taking 10 wickets at an economy rate of 7.92.
Therefore, Mumbai Indians hoped Santner would return quickly, and they got their desire fulfilled in reality.
Santner Comes With Incredible Form
When it comes to T20Is, Santner is one of the best spinners around. Since 2020, his economy rate has always been under eight runs an over in a calendar year.
Overall, Santner has picked up 142 wickets in 138 matches. In the last T20 World Cup, he was exceptionally well, having conceded 6.57 runs an over across seven innings.
Who Will Mitchell Santner Replace In MI Playing XI vs DC?
If Mitchell Santner comes to Mumbai Indians playing XI against DC, they will have to drop Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar.
The Afghanistan mystery spinner seemed wayward throughout his four-over spell against KKR. He conceded 51 runs off his 24 deliveries, that too without taking any wickets.
Santner’s inclusion in the MI lineup will not only give them a reliable spin bowling option but also an extra batting depth.
When Did Mitchell Santner Join MI?
Santner joined MI before IPL 2025, as Mumbai Indians signed the New Zealand all-rounder for INR 2 crore.
Safe to say, it will go down as one of the best bargain buys in the history of the competition, as the 34-year-old has been exceptional for a while wherever he plays, regardless of the format.
Before that, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) had Santner from IPL 2019 to IPL 2024. Across five editions, he had only played 18 matches for the MS Dhoni-starred franchise.
Thanks to joining MI, Santner got the opportunity to showcase his talent on a regular basis. He will try to keep on doing in IPL 2026 as well.
Also Read: 3 Sure-Shot Overseas Starters In Mumbai Indians Playing XI For IPL 2026
