Mitchell Santner ruled out of IPL 2026? MI Head Coach reveals all-rounder’s shoulder niggle
Published - 08 Apr 2026, 11:35 AM | Updated - 08 Apr 2026, 12:05 PM
Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mahela Jayawardene spoke about why all-rounder Mitchell Santner missed their recent IPL 2026 clash. The left-arm spinner sustained a right shoulder injury while diving during their clash against Delhi Capitals (DC), forcing him out of the match against Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Mumbai Indians suffered a 27-run defeat in their rain-curtailed fixture at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Tuesday, April 7. The Riyan Parag-led team capitalized on the 11-over contest to secure a big win. Hardik Pandya and his team suffered their second consecutive defeat of the tournament.
He Wasn’t a Hundred Percent Ready - Mahela Jayawardene on Mitchell Santner Injury
Mitchell Santner hurt his non-bowling shoulder while attempting to save a boundary during the 14th over against Delhi Capitals. The New Zealand all-rounder stopped bowling in that match after an economical spell, conceding 22 runs and dismissing Pathum Nissanka.
After the defeat against Rajasthan Royals, Mahela Jayawardene revealed that the overseas all-rounder was rested. He said that the team took a precautionary approach as Santner did not feel fully ready to play the match.
“Mitch, in the last game, had a little niggle when he came off. As a precaution, he wasn’t a hundred per cent ready to play this game. Hopefully, he will be fully fit for our next game,” Mahela Jayawardene told reporters during the official post match press conference in Guwahati.
Allah Ghazanfar Impresses After Replacing Mitchell Santner
Mumbai Indians made three changes to their lineup. The management was not fully satisfied, as Santner had injured his non-bowling shoulder. Hardik Pandya and Trent Boult returned to the playing XI, replacing Corbin Bosch and Mayank Markande.
MI selected Afghanistan spinner Allah Ghazanfar to replace Santner against Rajasthan Royals. Despite the high-scoring innings, Ghazanfar delivered an impressive performance. The spinner picked up two crucial wickets while conceding just 21 runs in two overs.
Ghazanfar removed Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag, who had scored a quick 20 off 10 deliveries. He also dismissed wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel cheaply. However, his economical spell was not enough to prevent the home side from posting 150.
Mumbai Indians Await Will Jacks Ahead Of RCB Clash
The 27-run defeat hurt Mumbai Indians in the IPL points table. Mumbai Indians are currently in seventh place after two consecutive losses. They also have a low net run rate compared to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Hardik Pandya’s side will next host defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 12. The visitors are in strong form after winning their opening matches. The home side need a convincing win to revive their campaign before the playoff race intensifies.
Mumbai Indians are likely to receive a boost soon. Mahela Jayawardene confirmed that England all-rounder Will Jacks will rejoin the squad after a short family break. His return will add batting firepower and bowling depth for the upcoming matches.
"Will still hasn't joined the squad, we are hoping he will join pretty soon," the head coach said.
Also read: Yashasvi Jaiswal reveals impact of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on his cricket career
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