Mumbai Indians sign Krish Bhagat to replace injured Atharva Ankolekar in 2026

Krish Bhagat has been brought in by Mumbai Indians as a replacement for the injured Atharva Ankolekar in the ongoing 2026 season.

Atharva Ankolekar's injury Atharva Ankolekar, aged 25, did not recover in time from the knee injury he suffered during the Ranji Trophy season at the start of this year. Mumbai Indians needed a quick solution to fill the gap left by his absence. The team had been searching for options to strengthen their bowling attack amid persistent concerns. Ankolekar’s injury forced the franchise into an immediate replacement decision. ## Krish Bhagat's background Krish Bhagat has been part of Mumbai Indians’ setup for the past two years, participating in training sessions and practice matches leading up to IPL 2026. He also featured for the Reliance team in the DY Patil T20 Cup held in 2026. Bhagat has served as a supplementary bowler for MI during pre-season preparations. His involvement in domestic circuits includes seven first-class appearances and nine List-A outings for Punjab. ## Domestic performances of Bhagat In domestic cricket, Krish Bhagat has taken nine wickets in List-A matches, with his best figures being three wickets for 33 runs in December 2025. He contributed with the bat as well, scoring 51 runs batting at number eight against Uttarakhand in a Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture. His all-round abilities have been recognized by selectors and coaches. The domestic performances laid the foundation for his elevation to the main squad. ## MI's statement on selection Mumbai Indians released an official statement highlighting Bhagat’s selection based on his work ethic and commitment. The franchise emphasized his consistent dedication and performance during training sessions and practice games. The statement read: '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.' ## Quote from Mumbai Indians The team expressed confidence in Bhagat’s development and readiness for the main squad. '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.' The franchise acknowledged Bhagat’s growth and professionalism as key factors. The move reflects MI’s focus on nurturing talent from within. ## MI's current IPL situation Mumbai Indians are placed ninth on the IPL 2026 points table after securing one win and three losses in their opening matches. The team has faced significant challenges with their bowling unit this season. Jasprit Bumrah went wicketless in recent games, while other bowlers struggled to make an impact. The squad’s bowling attack has been widely criticized for appearing ineffective and lacking penetration. Management has been under pressure to address these deficiencies promptly. ## Mumbai Indians bowling squad The current MI bowling lineup includes captain Hardik Pandya, Shardul Thakur, Trent Boult, Raj Bawa, Deepak Chahar, Corbin Bosch, Ashwani Kumar, and Mohd Izhar. Jasprit Bumrah remains a key figure despite recent struggles. The franchise has relied on a mix of experienced and emerging seamers to stabilize the attack. The depth in bowling options has been a point of concern throughout the campaign. Selectors aim to reinforce the unit with additional reinforcements if needed.