Mumbai Indians (MI) Have a new addition to your team for ipl 2026Signed 21 year old fast bowler from Punjab Krish Bhagat As a replacement for the injured all-rounder Atharva Ankolekar. The young fast bowler has joined the five-time champions at his base price of Rs 30 lakh and is available for immediate selection.
The move comes as MI looks to strengthen its squad midway through the tournament, especially after being forced to make changes due to injuries. With the season already proving challenging for the franchise, this signing could provide them with a new option as they aim to regain momentum.
Atharva Ankolekar’s absence forces Mumbai Indians to announce replacement
Ankolekar’s absence is a big blow for MI. The left-arm spinning all-rounder was dropped after failing to recover from a knee injury suffered earlier this year. He suffered an injury during a Ranji Trophy match against Hyderabad in January, when he tore his meniscus while attempting to save a boundary. Following the surgery, he was ruled out of the entire IPL season.
Ankolekar, who was part of India’s U19 setup and impressed in age-group cricket, was picked by MI in the 2025 auction. However, due to his injury he could not contribute to the campaign, forcing the team to look for a replacement.
Who is Krish Bhagat? MI’s new speed possibility
Krish Bhagat may not be a widely known name yet, but he has been quietly building his profile in domestic cricket. A right-arm medium pacer who can also contribute with the bat lower down the order, Bhagat has already gained valuable experience within the MI setup.
For the last two years, he has been a part of MI as a net bowler, working closely with the coaching staff and first-team players. This familiarity with the team environment probably played a significant role in his selection as a replacement.
Bhagat has represented Punjab in domestic cricket, including seven first-class matches and nine List A games. While his numbers are still developing, he has shown glimpses of potential, including a best performance of 3 for 33 in List A cricket in December 2025.
He also participated in the DY Patil T20 Cup earlier this year, representing the Reliance team. These experiences have helped him gain confidence and exposure, preparing him for opportunities like this.
Mumbai Indians, known for nurturing young talent, see Bhagat as a long-term investment. His inclusion is not just about filling a spot, but also about supporting a player who has consistently impressed behind the scenes.
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MI confident of youth as bowling struggles continue
The decision to bring in Bhagat comes at a time when Mumbai Indians are looking for answers in their bowling department. The team has struggled to consistently perform well, which has reflected in their position in the points table.
MI, currently ranked ninth with just one win from four matches, have faced difficulties in containing the opposition batsmen. Even the experienced names in the team have not been able to make the desired impact so far, putting pressure on the team management to look for new options.
The bowling unit includes several established players, but inconsistency has been a recurring issue. This is where Bhagat’s addition could prove interesting. Although he may not break into the playing eleven immediately, his presence provides depth and a new option to the team.
The franchise itself has highlighted the reasons behind his selection. “Krish has consistently impressed the coaching staff with his dedication, work ethic and his quality in every session and practice game he has played for Mumbai Indians.” read the franchise’s statement. “His commitment and development both domestically and in Mumbai Indians practice sessions over the last few years has earned him this well-deserved opportunity to transition into the main team.” This was added.
It remains to be seen how MI utilizes Bhagat as the tournament progresses. Whether he gets immediate playing time or continues his development within the team, this opportunity is an important step in his career.
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