Mumbai Indians have signed Krish Bhagat as a replacement for the injured Atharva Ankolekar for IPL 2026. The 21-year-old right-arm seamer, who represents Punjab in domestic cricket, joins at a time when MI are dealing with multiple concerns.
MI bring in Bhagat as injury replacement ahead of PBKS clash
Krish Bhagat, 21, has featured in seven first-class and nine List A matches for Punjab. A right-arm medium pacer, he has also scored a half-century in List A cricket. He joins Mumbai Indians at his base price of INR 30 lakh. Krish Bhagat has been involved with Mumbai Indians for the past two seasons through trials and has also worked as a support bowler with the squad since the pre-season this year
The change comes ahead of their game against Punjab Kings at Wankhede.
Bumrah’s lean phase, middle order struggles deepen MI’s concerns
MI’s issues run deeper than personnel changes. Jasprit Bumrah is going through an unusual phase, having gone over 20 overs without a wicket. While he has not been expensive, the lack of breakthroughs has hurt MI at key moments.
The team has lost three matches in a row and sits eighth with just one win. Their middle order has not delivered consistently. Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya have all had modest returns so far.
There are injury concerns too. Rohit Sharma is still struggling with a hamstring issue, leaving uncertainty at the top. The side looks short on momentum and clarity.
MI are chasing the game early in the season. Can Bumrah find his rhythm and can the middle order respond before the gap widens further?