Mumbai Indians Welcome Keshav Maharaj as Replacement for Injured Mitchell Santner

The Mumbai Indians have made a significant move by signing Keshav Maharaj as a replacement for the injured Mitchell Santner in IPL 2026. This decision comes after Santner was ruled out due to a shoulder injury. Maharaj, a seasoned spinner for South Africa, brings a wealth of experience to the team. With MI currently struggling in the league, this strategic signing aims to bolster their performance as they prepare to face Sunrisers Hyderabad next. Discover more about Maharaj's impressive career and MI's current standings in the league.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 28, 2026, 02:16 IST

Mumbai Indians Make Strategic Signing

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 27: The Mumbai Indians (MI) have officially announced the acquisition of South African spinner Keshav Maharaj to fill the void left by Mitchell Santner, who has been sidelined for the remainder of IPL 2026 due to a shoulder injury.

In a statement, the Mumbai Indians confirmed, "Keshav Maharaj has been signed as a replacement for Mitchell Santner, who is out for IPL 2026 following a left shoulder injury sustained in the last match." The team expressed their best wishes for Santner's swift recovery and hopes to see him back on the field soon.

Keshav Maharaj is recognized as one of South Africa's leading spinners across all formats. Since making his international debut in 2016, the left-arm bowler has demonstrated exceptional control and the ability to apply pressure on opposing batsmen. Notably, he was included in South Africa's squad for the 2021 T20 World Cup despite not having played a T20 international prior, and he made an impressive debut as captain against Sri Lanka, taking a wicket with his first delivery.

As a captain in both national and franchise cricket, Maharaj has excelled in his recent 30 T20 matches, claiming 31 wickets with a best performance of 3 for 15. Over his career in 218 T20 matches, he has amassed 191 wickets at an average of 27.63, with his best figures being 4/15.

In contrast, Santner's season was cut short after just four matches, where he managed to take five wickets at an average of 25.00, with his best figures being 2/16, alongside scoring 26 runs in two innings.

Currently, MI sits in ninth place on the points table, having secured two victories against five losses. Their next challenge will be against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Wednesday at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.