Mumbai Indians (MI) by IPL 2026 Have a new addition to their squad, the 21-year-old Punjab fast bowler Krishna Bhagat injured all-rounder Atharva Anklekar Signed as replacement for. The young fast bowler is joining the five-time champions at his base price of INR 30 lakh and is available for immediate selection.
The move comes as MI attempts to strengthen their squad midway through the tournament, especially after they were forced to make changes due to injuries. With the franchise already proving to have challenges this season, this signing could provide them with fresh possibilities as they aim to regain momentum.
Atharva Anklekar’s absence forces Mumbai Indians to announce replacement
Anklekar’s absence is a significant blow for MI. The left-arm spinning all-rounder was dropped after failing to recover from a knee injury suffered earlier this year. He sustained the injury during a Ranji Trophy match against Hyderabad in January, when he tore his meniscus attempting to save Seema. After the surgery, he was ruled out for the entire IPL season.
Anklekar, who was part of India’s U19 setup and impressed in age-group cricket, was picked up 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 Krishna Bhagat? MI’s new fast bowling prospect
Krishna Bhagat might not be a widely known name yet, but he has slowly made his mark in domestic cricket. A right-arm medium pacer who can also contribute with the batting lower down the order, Bhagat has already gained valuable experience in the MI setup.
For the last two years, he has been associated with MI as a net bowler, working closely with the coaching staff and first-team players. This familiarity with the team environment can play an important role in their selection.
Bhagat has represented Punjab in domestic cricket, including seven first-class matches and nine List A games. While his statistics are still developing, he has shown signs of potential, including a best performance in List A cricket in December 2025 of 3 wickets for 33 runs.
He also participated in the DY Patil T20 Cup earlier this year, representing the Reliance team. These experiences have helped him gain confidence and experience, making him ready for such opportunities.
Mumbai Indians, who are known for grooming young talent, are looking at Bhagat as a long-term investment. His inclusion is not just about filling a spot, but about supporting a player who has consistently impressed behind the scenes.
MI relying on youngsters as bowling struggles continue
The decision to bring in Bhagat has been taken at a time when MI is looking for a solution to its bowling department. The team has struggled to deliver consistent performances, which is reflected in their position in the points table.
Currently ranked ninth with only one win from four matches, MI have found it difficult to contain the opposition batsmen. The experienced names in the squad have also not made 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 problem. This is where Bhagat’s addition can prove important. While he may not break into the playing XI immediately, his presence provides depth and a new option for the team.
The franchise has also revealed the reasons behind his selection. “Krishna has consistently impressed the coaching staff with his dedication, work ethic, and the quality he brings to every session and practice game,” the franchise said in a statement. “His commitment and development over the years, both domestically and in Mumbai Indians practice sessions this season, has earned him the perfect opportunity to move into the main squad,” Added to this.
It remains to be seen how MI utilize Bhagat as the tournament progresses. Whether he gets immediate game time or continues to develop in the squad, this opportunity marks an important step in his career
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