Mumbai Indians (MI) added a new member to his staff IPL 2026Signing the 21-year-old Punjab pacer Krish Bhagat as a replacement for an injured all-rounder Atharva Ankolekar. The young fast bowler joins the five-time champions for INR 30 lakh and is available for immediate selection.
The move comes at a time when MI are looking to bolster their squad midway through the tournament, especially after being forced into changes due to injury. With the season already proving to be a tough one for the franchise, this signing could offer them a new option as they look to build momentum.
Atharva Ankolekar’s absence forces Mumbai Indians to announce his replacement
The lack of ancolecar is a significant setback for MI. The left-arm spin all-rounder has been ruled out after failing to recover from a knee injury he picked up earlier this year. He suffered the injury during a Ranji Trophy match against Hyderabad in January when he tore his meniscus while trying to save a boundary. After the surgery, he was ruled out for the entire IPL season.
Ankolekar, who was part of India’s U19 set-up and impressed in age-group cricket, was picked up by MI in the 2025 auction. However, injury meant he was unable to 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 be a household name yet, but he is quietly building his profile in domestic cricket. A right-arm medium pacer who can also feature in the lower order with the bat, Bhagat has already gained valuable exposure within the MI set-up.
For the past two years, he has been part of MI as a netminder, 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, appearing 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 33 for 3 in List A cricket in December 2025.
He also represented Reliance in the DY Patil T20 Trophy earlier this year. These experiences helped him gain confidence and exposure, preparing him for opportunities like these.
Known for nurturing young talent, Mumbai Indians see Bhagat as a long-term investment. His inclusion is not just to fill a spot, but to support a player who has consistently impressed behind the scenes.
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MI banking on youngsters while the bowling battles continue
The decision to bring in Bhagat comes at a time when MI are looking for answers in the bowling department. The team struggled to produce consistent performances, which was reflected in its position in the points table.
Currently in ninth place with just one win from four matches, MI have faced challenges that include opposition batting. Even the experienced names in the squad have not been able to have the desired effect so far, adding pressure to the team management to explore new options.
The bowling unit includes several notable players, but inconsistency has been a recurring problem. Here Bhagat’s addition may be interesting. Although he may not break into the starting XI right away, his presence provides depth and a new option for the team.
Franchise himself emphasized the reasons for his choice. “Krish has consistently impressed the coaching staff with his dedication, work ethic and the quality he brings to every session and practice game he plays for Mumbai Indians” the franchise’s statement read. “His commitment and development over the years in both local and Mumbai Indians training sessions this season has earned him a well-deserved opportunity to break into the first team.” he added.
It remains to be seen how MI use Bhagat as the tournament progresses. Whether it’s immediate playing time or continuing to develop within the squad, this opportunity is an important step in his career.
