IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians sign Keshav Maharaj as injured Mitchell Santner’s replacement

The Mumbai Indians have signed South African left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj as a replacement for the injured Mitchell Santner.

Maharaj is one of the most experienced left-arm spinners in the world. The 36-year-old joins the five-time champions for a fee of INR 75 Lakh, his registered base price in the Auction prior to the 2026 season.

An all-format regular for South Africa, Maharaj has played 218 T20s, picking up 191 wickets at an economy of 7.12. He recently led the South African side for their five-match T20I series against New Zealand after the culmination of the T20 World Cup, which saw most regulars absent due to preparation for the IPL. He has featured in two IPL matches, representing the Rajasthan Royals in 2024. He picked up two wickets in those two games at an economy of 6.50.

He replaces Mitchell Santner, who injured his left shoulder while taking a catch in the Mumbai Indians’ 104-run loss to arch rivals Chennai Super Kings. Diving forward to complete a catch off Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling while stationed at deep square leg, Santner fell awkwardly, while also hitting his head on the turf. He was seen clutching his left shoulder after finishing the catch and had to be taken off the field immediately.

There came controversy when Santner was subbed out in the Mumbai Indians’ batting innings, with Shardul Thakur coming in as a concussion substitute. Coach Mahela Jayawardene later confirmed in the post-match press conference that Santner was also concussed after hitting his head on the turf, which prompted the decision.

“Santner hit his head first, the neck and obviously, the shoulder as well. He then went for a scan. Once he got back he felt dizziness so he was lying down. Yes, the ice was there for the shoulder, but he felt that he wasn’t stable, so we took him for a scan in that situation,” Jayawardene said, speaking in the post-match press conference.

The Mumbai Indians have won just two matches of their first seven games in IPL 2026, and sit ninth on the table. They take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium on April 29.