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MI Signs Krish Bhagat as Injury Replacement for Ankolekar in IPL 2026

The Mumbai Indians have announced Krish Bhagat as a replacement for the injured spin all-rounder Atharva Ankolekar for the remainder of IPL 2026. Bhagat, a 21-year-old right-arm medium pacer from Punjab, joins the squad for his base price. This comes as MI struggles with form, having lost three consecutive matches after a winning start to their campaign. The team's challenges are compounded by an injury concern to star batsman Rohit Sharma.

Key Points: Mumbai Indians Sign Krish Bhagat as Replacement for Injured Ankolekar

  • Krish Bhagat replaces injured Atharva Ankolekar
  • Bhagat is a 21-year-old pace-bowling all-rounder
  • MI has lost three straight after a season-opening win
  • Rohit Sharma is managing a hamstring injury
  • Team faces pressure after early setbacks
2 min read

IPL 2026: MI name Krish Bhagat as replacement for injured Atharva Ankolekar

Mumbai Indians name Krish Bhagat as replacement for injured Atharva Ankolekar in IPL 2026. Details on the new signing and team's current season struggles.

"Mumbai Indians (MI) have signed Krish Bhagat as a replacement for Atharva Ankolekar - IPL Statement"

New Delhi, April 16

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians have announced Krish Bhagat as a replacement for spin all-rounder Atharva Ankolekar, who has been ruled out of the IPL 2026 due to injury.

The 21-year-old right-arm medium pacer, who has played seven first-class matches and nine List A matches for Punjab, will join the team for a base price of Rs 30 lakh.

"Mumbai Indians (MI) have signed Krish Bhagat as a replacement for Atharva Ankolekar, who has been ruled out of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 due to injury. Bhagat, 21, has played seven first-class matches and nine List A matches for Punjab. He is a right-arm medium pacer and has also registered a half-century in List A cricket," the IPL wrote in a statement.

Krish brings versatility as a right-arm fast bowler and can contribute with the bat as a lower order batsman. He was part of Mumbai Indians trials for the past two years, having played for the Reliance Team in the DY Patil T20 Cup in 2026 and has been a support bowler with the team since the pre-season.

Ankolekar, meanwhile, was part of India's U19 World Cup team in 2020 and was also the Player of the Match in the final of the ACC U19 Asia Cup against Bangladesh in 2019.

MI started their IPL 2026 season with a win against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). However, they couldn't maintain that momentum and lost their next three matches against Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This early setback puts them under pressure to find their rhythm again, as that initial victory now feels less significant due to their struggling performance.

Rohit Sharma's injury adds an intriguing angle to the match as he walked off the field due to a hamstring injury in MI's clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

MI will next face IPL 2026 runner ups Punjab Kings (PBKS) at their home ground, Wankhede Stadium, on Thursday.

The five-time champions have not won a trophy since IPL 2020. They were eliminated from the second qualifiers in the last season after losing to the Punjab Kings by five wickets.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Feel so bad for Atharva Ankolekar. He was such a bright prospect from our U19 World Cup winning team. Injuries are so cruel. Wishing him a speedy recovery. As for Krish Bhagat, all the best beta! Make the most of this opportunity.
R
Rohit P
The real worry is Rohit Sharma's hamstring! Without Hitman, our batting looks shaky. Hardik Pandya needs to step up big time as captain and player. This season is already looking tough after three straight losses. 😓
S
Sarah B
Interesting move. Bhagat has been in their system for two years through trials and DY Patil Cup, so they've clearly been tracking him. That's smart scouting. Hope he can contribute with both bat and ball. MI needs all the help they can get right now.
V
Vikram M
Base price of 30 lakhs is a steal if he performs! But honestly, the team's problem isn't just one player. The bowling has been leaking runs and the middle order collapses are a recurring nightmare. Need a proper team effort against Punjab Kings.
K
Kavya N
No trophy since 2020... that's a long drought for a team of MI's stature. The management keeps making these piecemeal changes. Maybe it's time for a bigger strategic rethink? Just my two paise. Wishing Krish all the best though!

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