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MI Sign Keshav Maharaj as Santner's Replacement for IPL 2026

Mumbai Indians have signed South African spinner Keshav Maharaj as a replacement for Mitchell Santner, who is ruled out of IPL 2026 due to a shoulder injury. Maharaj, a left-arm spinner, has been a consistent performer for South Africa since 2016 and brings experience from 218 T20 matches with 191 wickets. Santner managed five wickets in four matches before his injury. MI currently sit ninth in the points table and will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Key Points: MI Sign Keshav Maharaj as Santner's Replacement in IPL 2026

  • Keshav Maharaj replaces injured Mitchell Santner in MI
  • Santner ruled out of IPL 2026 with shoulder injury
  • Maharaj took 31 wickets in last 30 T20s
  • MI in 9th place with 2 wins, face SRH next
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MI sign Maharaj as Santner's replacement in IPL, all-rounder suffered shoulder injury

Mumbai Indians sign South African spinner Keshav Maharaj as replacement for injured Mitchell Santner, ruled out of IPL 2026 with a shoulder injury.

"Mumbai Indians have confirmed the signing of South African left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj as a replacement for Mitchell Santner - Mumbai Indians"

Mumbai, April 27

Mumbai Indians have signed South African spinner Keshav Maharaj as a replacement for spin bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the Indian Premier League 2026 due to a shoulder injury.

"Mumbai Indians have confirmed the signing of South African left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj as a replacement for Mitchell Santner, who has been ruled out of IPL 2026, due to the injury he sustained on his left shoulder in the previous match," Mumbai Indians said in a release.

"Mumbai Indians wish Santner a full recovery and look forward to seeing him back in action soon," it added.

Maharaj is one of South Africa's most experienced spinners across all formats. The left-arm bowler with sharp control and the ability to build sustained pressure has been a consistent presence in the Proteas setup since his international debut in 2016. He was selected for South Africa's 2021 T20 World Cup squad without having played a single T20 international, debuted as captain against Sri Lanka, and took a wicket with his very first delivery in the format.

A captain for the national team and in franchise cricket, Keshav, in his last 30 T20 matches, has taken 31 wickets with a best of 3 for 15. In 218 T20s, he has taken 191 wickets at an average of 27.63, with best figures of 4/15.

Santner's season lasted just four matches in which he took five wickets at an average of 25.00, with best figures of 2/16 and scoring 26 runs in two innings.

MI are in ninth place in the points table with two wins and five losses. They will next take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Wednesday at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Another left-arm spinner? Maharaj is experienced but MI's bowling attack needs pace options, not just spin. Rohit needs to rethink strategy. Still, good to see South African talent in the IPL! 🔥
J
James A
Tough break for Santner, but Maharaj's IPL debut should be interesting. He's been in great T20 form—31 wickets in his last 30 matches. MI fans, keep the faith! 🏏
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Siddharth J
Honestly, MI's season feels like a lost cause at 2 wins from 7 matches. Maharaj is a class act, but they need more than a replacement—they need a miracle. Arre yaar, such a disappointing campaign! 😤
K
Karthik V
Maharaj is a smart buy—his economy and control are top-notch. But MI's batting has been the real issue, not bowling. Wishing Santner a speedy recovery, and hope Keshav brings some South African grit to Wankhede! 🏏🔥
R
Raghav A
Can't help but feel this is too little too late for MI. They should have invested in younger Indian talent instead of another overseas spinner. Maharaj is good, but the team's balance is off. Let's see what happens against SRH...
L
Lisa P

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