South African spinner joins Mumbai Indians after Santner suffers shoulder injury during recent clash
Mumbai
Keshav Maharaj has replaced injured New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner in the Mumbai Indians squad for the remainder of the IPL 2026 season.
The Indian Premier League confirmed the development after Santner was ruled out with a left shoulder injury sustained during Mumbai Indians’ previous match against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium.
According to the IPL statement, Santner suffered the injury while attempting a catch near the boundary ropes. The New Zealand spinner had taken an impressive diving catch to dismiss Kartik Sharma off a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah, but landed awkwardly, injuring his shoulder and also appearing to hurt his head during the fall.
He was later substituted by Shardul Thakur under the concussion substitute rule as concerns grew over his condition.
Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene said Santner experienced dizziness after returning to the dressing room and was immediately taken for scans.
“I think he hit his head first, neck, obviously the shoulder as well. He went for a scan because once he got back, he felt dizziness. He felt that he was not stable, so we took him for a scan,” Jayawardene told reporters after the game.
Maharaj, one of South Africa’s most experienced spin-bowling all-rounders, recently featured in the T20I series against New Zealand. The left-arm spinner has limited IPL experience, having played two matches for Rajasthan Royals during the 2024 season.
The IPL said Maharaj joins Mumbai Indians for a fee of ₹75 lakh as the five-time champions look to strengthen their spin department ahead of the crucial final phase of the tournament.
Mumbai Indians will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday as they continue their push for a playoff berth.