Jalandhar’s Krish, Nephew of Minister Mohinder Bhagat, Signed by Mumbai Indians for ₹30 Lakh in IPL

April 16, 2026

New Delhi: Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have added Krishna Bhagat to the squad in place of spin all-rounder Atharva Ankolekar, who was ruled out of IPL 2026.

Chance for young fast bowler

21-year-old Krishna Bhagat, who has played seven first-class and nine List A matches for Punjab, has been added to the squad at a base price of ₹30 lakh.

“Mumbai Indians (MI) have added Krishna Bhagat to the squad for IPL 2026 in place of injured Atharva Ankolekar. Bhagat, 21, has played seven first-class and nine List A matches for Punjab. He is a right-arm medium pacer and has also scored a half-century in List A cricket,” the IPL said in a statement.

All-round ability will provide strength

Krishna Bhagat, besides being a fast bowler, can also bat lower down the order. He has been part of Mumbai Indians’ trials for the past two years and played for the Reliance team in the DY Patil T20 Cup 2026.

Ankolekar’s excellent record

Atharva Ankolekar was part of the 2020 Under-19 World Cup team and was also the Player of the Match against Bangladesh in the 2019 ACC Under-19 Asia Cup final.

MI under pressure during the season

Mumbai Indians started IPL 2026 with a win against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), but then lost three consecutive matches to Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Rohit Sharma’s injury has also added to the team’s worries, as he left the field against RCB due to a hamstring injury.

MI’s next match will be against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.

The five-time champions haven’t won the title since 2020 and were eliminated last season after losing to Punjab Kings in the second qualifier.