Mumbai Indians. Image Credits: AP
Mumbai Indians have been dealt another setback, as New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner has now been ruled out of cricket for at least one month. Notably, the 34-year-old had already been ruled out of the ongoing IPL 2026 season earlier due to a shoulder injury.
Therefore, this latest update does not affect his IPL participation but extends his time away from the game. At the same time, this comes during a difficult season for Mumbai Indians, who have struggled with just 2 wins in 8 matches.
How Mitchell Santner’s injury took place
The injury became serious during the IPL 2026 match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 23 at Wankhede Stadium, where Santner dislocated his shoulder while fielding. However, the problem had started earlier in the tournament.
Initially, he picked up a minor shoulder issue during a match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals on April 4. Because of this, he missed one game, although he returned soon after and continued playing.
However, the same shoulder was injured again in the Chennai match, which ultimately led to his withdrawal from the IPL. Before his exit, Mitchell Santner had played four matches for Mumbai Indians and picked up five wickets.
New Zealand Cricket shares update on Mitchell Santner
After leaving the IPL, the 34-year-old returned to New Zealand for further medical checks. Following scans and a specialist consultation, it was confirmed that the New Zealand captain has a grade three shoulder injury.
As a result, Santner has been advised to rest and undergo rehabilitation for at least one month. This means he will remain out of action beyond the IPL and will not be available for any form of cricket during this period.
"BLACKCAPS all-rounder and white-ball captain Mitchell Santner is set to be sidelined for at least a month after scans revealed a grade three ACL shoulder injury. The 34-year-old returned home to New Zealand this week and saw a specialist this morning who confirmed a rest and rehabilitation period of at least one month.
The diagnosis means Mitchell Santner is unavailable for the one-off Test against Ireland and the first Test against England, with his availability for the second and third Tests to be evaluated at a later date," the statement released Friday evening said.
Impact on New Zealand team
It is important to note that this injury also affects New Zealand’s upcoming international schedule. He will miss the one-off Test against Ireland later this month. In addition, he will not be available for the first Test against England.
Meanwhile, his participation in the remaining matches of the England series will depend on how well he recovers. A final decision on his return will be taken closer to those matches.
Looking ahead, New Zealand Cricket will need to make adjustments to its squad for the upcoming fixtures. An official squad announcement is expected soon, especially with important matches against Ireland and England approaching.
Black Caps are scheduled to play a one-off four-day Test against Ireland at Stormont in Belfast starting May 27. Followed by a three-match Test series against England, with games set to take place at Lord’s (June 4–8), The Oval (June 17–21), and Trent Bridge (June 25–29).
Also Read: Jason Holder Issues Official Statement On Rajat Patidar Catch Controversy
