Mumbai Indians named Krish Bhagat as a replacement for Atharva Ankolekar on April 16, 2026, after Ankolekar was ruled out of IPL 2026. The move gives the 21-year-old Punjab all-rounder his first place in the main squad after two years around the franchise.
Bhagat is a right-handed all-rounder who bowls right-arm fast and can add runs down the order. He had been part of Mumbai Indians trials for the past two years and has also served as a support bowler with the team since the pre-season.
The call-up follows a steady climb through the franchise’s setup. Bhagat also played for the Reliance Team in the DY Patil T20 Cup in 2026, giving Mumbai Indians another look at his all-round value before promoting him to the senior group.
Mumbai Indians said Bhagat’s commitment and development over the years earned him a well-deserved opportunity to move into the main squad. The team also wished Ankolekar a speedy recovery and said it looks forward to seeing him back on the field soon.
The franchise did not say why Ankolekar was ruled out of IPL 2026, leaving Bhagat’s promotion as the clearest immediate change to its squad on a day when the season’s lineup shifted again.
