Mumbai Indians announced the signing of Krish Bhagat as an injury replacement for Atharva Ankolekar ahead of their match against Punjab Kings on Thursday, April 16. The five-time champions spent INR 30 lakh to sign the young fast bowler after their poor start to the IPL 2026 campaign.

Krish Bhagat is a 21-year-old pace all-rounder from Punjab. He is a right-arm fast bowler and made his first-class debut in the 2024-25 season. He has played seven first-class matches and nine List A games, but surprisingly, is yet to make his T20 debut.

Before the start of the IPL 2026, Bhagat played for the Reliance Team in the DY Patil T20 Cup 2026. He has been part of the Mumbai Indians trials setup for the last two years and has done enough to impress the coaching staff to earn his first IPL contract.

"Krish Bhagat has consistently impressed the coaching staff with his dedication, work ethic, and the quality he brings in every session and in the practice games that he has played for Mumbai Indians," MI's press release read. "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."

"Mumbai Indians look forward to seeing him carry forward the energy and intent that has long defined the Mumbai Indians culture."

Krish Bhagat's addition revives Mumbai Indians' struggling bowling attack

Mumbai Indians are placed ninth in the points table ahead of their upcoming game against Punjab Kings on Thursday, April 16. Hardik Pandya-led side started their season with a statement win against KKR at Wankhede, but suffered three successive defeats in the following matches.

The bowling attack is looking miserable once again. Jasprit Bumrah has surprisingly gone wicketless in four matches, and Trent Boult is clearly struggling to match his best. Shardul Thakur has also struggled after an impressive spell in the opening game and has leaked 13.45 runs per over.

Hardik Pandya and Deepak Chahar are also struggling this season, leading to MI's poor start in IPL 2026.

Krish Bhagat is yet to make his T20 debut and is unlikely to find a place in MI's preferred playing eleven, unless some senior pacer gets injured. Ashwani Kumar is also part of the squad and is likely to get a chance if Mumbai's bowling woes deepen in the next few games.

Also read: Mumbai Indians host Punjab Kings as Rohit Sharma's fitness concern adds twist to Wankhede clash