Will Mitchell Santner play today's DC vs MI game at Arun Jaitley Stadium?

Mumbai Indians got a timely boost before their second IPL 2026 game against Delhi Capitals on April 4. New Zealand white-ball captain Mitchell Santner has arrived in Delhi.

Santner had missed MI's opening game against KKR along with England allrounder Will Jacks, with both players having requested slightly extended time off for personal reasons. While Santner has now joined the squad, there is no word yet on when Jacks will make his way to the team.

What Mitchell Santner's arrival means for MI

Santner's addition could not have come at a better time for Mumbai Indians. Allah Ghazanfar, who deputised in Santner's absence in the opening game, had a difficult debut, conceding 51 runs from his four overs without taking a wicket on a surface that was offering very little help.

Santner is expected to replace him in the XI for the Delhi game and the upgrade in experience is significant. The New Zealander played 13 games for MI in IPL 2025, taking ten wickets at an economy of 7.92, and his ability to control the middle overs with his left-arm spin is exactly what Mumbai need on a Kotla surface that is expected to be flat and batter-friendly.

His presence also adds balance to the side and gives Hardik Pandya more options when it comes to managing his bowling resources through the middle overs.

The player arriving in form ahead of DC vs MI IPL 2026 game

Santner is not just arriving as a squad filler, he comes off the back of one of the best periods of his international career.

He led New Zealand to the final of the T20 World Cup 2026, contributing 120 runs in the tournament at a strike rate of 142.85 while also chipping in with two wickets with his left-arm spin.

His leadership experience and big-match composure make him a valuable presence not just as a player but as a voice in the MI dressing room. He was picked up by MI for INR 2 crore ahead of IPL 2025 and retained for this season, which tells you everything about how the franchise values what he brings to the setup.

Also READ: DC vs MI match prediction: Who will win IPL 2026 Match 8 between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians?

The bigger picture for Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians head into the Delhi game in good shape, their opening win against KKR, the first time in thirteen years they have won their season opener, was built on a brilliant 148-run opening stand between Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton that made the chase of 221 look almost straightforward.

Santner's arrival deepens a squad that is already looking like one of the most complete in the tournament. Will Jacks remains absent and there is no timeline yet for his return, but with Santner available and the rest of the squad fit, MI will be confident of making it two wins from two at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday.