Mumbai Indians have signed South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj as a replacement for New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the Indian Premier League 2026 season due to a left shoulder injury. The franchise confirmed that Santner sustained the injury during a home fixture against Chennai Super Kings while attempting a catch near the boundary.
An official IPL statement said, “Mumbai Indians (MI) have signed South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj as a replacement for Mitchell Santner, who has been ruled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 owing to a left shoulder injury.” The statement added, “Santner sustained the injury during MI’s last home game against Chennai Super Kings while attempting a catch near the boundary.”
Santner’s absence is a setback for Mumbai Indians during the latter phase of the tournament, with the all-rounder having been part of their plans following the auction. His injury occurred during a match situation that also led to a concussion substitution, highlighting the seriousness of the incident.
Maharaj brings significant international and franchise experience to the squad. The left-arm spinner has represented South Africa in 54 T20 Internationals and has previously played in the IPL, featuring in two matches for Rajasthan Royals in 2024. Beyond the IPL, he has participated in several global T20 leagues, including the Caribbean Premier League, Bangladesh Premier League and England’s Vitality Blast, along with domestic competitions such as the SA20 and the former Mzansi Super League in South Africa.
In the most recent SA20 season, Maharaj captained Pretoria Capitals to the final and finished the campaign with 12 wickets in 12 matches. Across his T20 career, he has taken 191 wickets in 208 innings, maintaining an economy rate of 7.12.
