Will MI Pick Will Jacks or Keshav Maharaj Over Injured Santner

Mumbai Indians have made a decisive move to bolster their spin department for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, signing South African left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj as a replacement for the injured Mitchell Santner. The franchise confirmed the signing on April 28, 2026, just days after Santner was ruled out with a shoulder injury sustained during a match against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 23.

Santner’s Injury and Immediate Impact

Santner, a key all-rounder for Mumbai Indians, suffered the injury while attempting a boundary catch during the high-stakes encounter against CSK at the Wankhede Stadium. The incident forced him to leave the field, with Shardul Thakur brought in as a concussion substitute under IPL rules. Though Santner initially hoped to recover quickly, medical assessments confirmed he would be unavailable for the rest of the season, leaving a significant void in the team’s bowling lineup.

In his four appearances for Mumbai Indians this season, Santner claimed five wickets at an economy rate of 8.92, providing crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs. His absence was felt immediately, as the team lost their next match against the Gujarat Titans on April 26, with Santner watching from the sidelines. Mumbai Indians’ management later issued a statement wishing him a full recovery and expressing hope for his return to action soon.

Maharaj’s Arrival: A Strategic Replacement

With Santner ruled out, Mumbai Indians turned to Maharaj, a seasoned campaigner in T20 cricket. The 34-year-old had gone unsold in the IPL 2026 auction but brings valuable experience, having represented Rajasthan Royals in the 2024 season, where he played two matches. Maharaj’s signing comes at a reported fee of INR 75 lakh, a modest investment for a player with his pedigree.

Maharaj’s recent form has been impressive. He was part of South Africa’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 and recently led the Proteas in a five-match away series against New Zealand, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. His T20 bowling statistics underscore his reliability:

• IPL: 22 innings, 22 wickets, best figures of 3/23, economy of 6.50, strike rate of 18.0
• T20 Internationals: 54 innings, 55 wickets, best figures of 3/24, economy of 7.87, strike rate of 20.0
• Overall T20s: 208 innings, 191 wickets, best figures of 4/15, economy of 7.12, strike rate of 23.2

His left-arm spin variation and ability to contain runs in the middle overs make him a natural fit for Mumbai Indians’ strategy, particularly in high-pressure matches. While he may not replicate Santner’s all-round contributions, his bowling expertise is expected to provide stability to a team grappling with injuries.

Will Jacks: The Unselected Alternative

The question of whether Mumbai Indians would consider Will Jacks, the explosive England all-rounder, as an alternative to Maharaj has been a topic of speculation among fans and analysts. Jacks, known for his aggressive batting and off-spin bowling, has been a standout performer in T20 leagues worldwide, including the IPL. However, the franchise opted for Maharaj, prioritizing a specialist spinner with a proven track record in the format.

Jacks, who last played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 2025 season, remains one of the most sought-after T20 all-rounders. His exclusion from Mumbai Indians’ plans suggests the team is focusing on addressing its immediate spin bowling deficit rather than overhauling its squad dynamics. For now, Jacks’ involvement in IPL 2026 remains limited to his current team, though his name will likely resurface in transfer discussions if other franchises face injury crises.

Mumbai Indians’ Injury Woes: Beyond Santner

While Maharaj’s signing addresses one injury concern, Mumbai Indians continue to grapple with another significant setback: the fitness of their captain, Rohit Sharma. Sharma sustained a hamstring injury during a match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 12 and has missed the last three games. Though he has been undergoing rehabilitation and participating in practice sessions, his return remains uncertain.

In Sharma’s absence, Danish Malewar has been tasked with opening the batting but has struggled to make an impact, scoring just 2 runs in two matches. The team’s batting lineup, already under pressure, has lacked the stability and firepower needed to post competitive totals. With the IPL 2026 season entering its crucial phase, Mumbai Indians cannot afford further setbacks if they hope to secure a playoff berth.

What’s Next for Mumbai Indians?

The upcoming match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 29, 2026, presents a critical opportunity for Mumbai Indians to steady their campaign. The team currently sits in the lower half of the IPL 2026 points table, and a win against SRH could reignite their playoff hopes. Maharaj’s debut for the franchise is highly anticipated, with fans eager to see how he integrates into the team’s bowling attack.

For Mumbai Indians, the remainder of the season will be a test of resilience. With Santner out and Sharma’s return uncertain, the team must rely on its depth and adaptability to overcome these challenges. Maharaj’s signing is a step in the right direction, but the franchise will need more than just one replacement to turn its fortunes around. As the IPL 2026 season approaches its climax, every match will be a must-win for a team known for its famous turnaround—but time is running out.