Mumbai Indians (MI) have made a fresh addition to their squad for IPL 2026, signing 21-year-old Punjab pacer Krish Bhagat as a replacement for injured all-rounder Atharva Ankolekar. The young fast bowler joins the five-time champions at his base price of INR 30 lakh and is available for immediate selection.
The move comes as MI look to strengthen their squad midway through the tournament, especially after being forced into a change due to injury. With the season already proving challenging for the franchise, this signing could offer them a new option as they aim to regain momentum.
Atharva Ankolekar’s absence forces Mumbai Indians to announce replacement
Ankolekar’s absence is a significant setback for MI. The left-arm spinning all-rounder was ruled out after failing to recover from a knee injury sustained earlier this year. He had picked up the injury during a Ranji Trophy match against Hyderabad in January, when he tore his meniscus while attempting to save a boundary. Following surgery, he was ruled out for the entire IPL season.
Ankolekar, who was part of India’s U19 setup and had impressed in age-group cricket, was picked up by MI in the 2025 auction. However, his injury meant he couldn’t contribute to the campaign, forcing the team to look for a replacement.
Who is Krish Bhagat? MI’s new pace prospect
Krish Bhagat may not yet be a widely known name, but he has been quietly building his profile in domestic cricket. A right-arm medium pacer who can also contribute with the bat in the lower order, Bhagat has already gained valuable exposure within the MI setup.
For the past two years, he has been part of MI as a net bowler, working closely with the coaching staff and first-team players. This familiarity with the team environment likely played a key role in his selection as a replacement.
Bhagat has represented Punjab in domestic cricket, featuring in 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, appear to see Bhagat as a long-term investment. His inclusion is not just about filling a spot but also about backing a player who has consistently impressed behind the scenes.
MI banking on youth as bowling struggles continue
The decision to bring in Bhagat comes at a time when MI are searching for answers in their bowling department. The team has struggled to deliver consistent performances, which has reflected in their position on the points table.
Currently placed ninth with just one win in four matches, MI have faced difficulties containing opposition batters. Even experienced names in the squad have not been able to make the desired impact so far, adding pressure on the team management to explore 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. While he may not immediately walk into the playing XI, his presence provides depth and a fresh alternative for 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 the quality he brings to every session and practise games that he played for Mumbai Indians,” the franchise’s statement read. “His commitment and development over the years, both in domestic and at Mumbai Indians practise sessions this season have earned him this well-deserved opportunity to transition into the main squad,” it added.
As the tournament progresses, it remains to be seen how MI utilise Bhagat. Whether he gets immediate game time or continues to develop within the squad, this opportunity marks an important step in his career.
