Who is Krish Bhagat? Know Mumbai Indians’ latest injury replacement for IPL 2026

Injuries are part and parcel of any sportsman’s career, but the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season has seen the worst situation with several injured players, as the franchise has to settle for replacements. That always becomes tough for their balance of the combination.

Mumbai Indians have, in the same way, named Krish Bhagat as their replacement for injured Atharva Ankolekar, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the competition. The 21-year-old Punjab seamer has joined the five-time champions for a base price of INR 30 lakh. Ankolekar has failed to recover from the knee injury that he picked up in the Ranji Trophy 2025/26.

Who is Krish Bhagat? Know 21-year-old Punjab seamer playing for MI

Bhagat has been in the trials with the Mumbai side for the previous two seasons and also represented the Reliance team in the DY Patil T20 Cup in 2026, having been the support bowler at the franchise since the pre-season in IPL 2026.

His journey has been outlined by quiet determination. The 21-year-old comes from Jalandhar in a family where sports and public services are deeply connected. He is the nephew of Mohinder Bhagat, the MLA from Jalandhar West.

See Also: MI sign Punjab player as injury replacement ahead of MI vs PBKS clash in IPL 2026

At the start of his career, Krish suffered a life-altering spinal cord injury. Through the strong rehabilitation and unwavering commitment, he made a clinical return to competitive cricket. Since his return, he stamped his authority in the age-group cricket, with over 500 runs in the Cooch Behar Trophy, besides picking up 30 wickets in the Colonel C.K. Nayudu Trophy, showing his all-round performance.

Krish impressed the coaching group with his dedication. He brings a different quality through the practice games for the Hardik Pandya-led side, which has pushed him for the selection. Now, he has the chance to work with some of the best trainers and coaches around the world. That will help him a lot to do better in making the transition.

Krish Bhagat’s impressive domestic career

The Punjab pacer has picked up seven wickets in eight innings of first-class cricket at an average of 36 and a strike rate of 66. His 145 runs in 10 innings at an average of 145 show that he could also bat in the lower order.  

Meanwhile, in the eight innings of the List A cricket, the right-arm pacer has grabbed nine wickets at an average of 29.55 and an economy rate of 6.11. He also smashed a dashing knock of 51 runs against Uttarakhand in December last year.

Bhagat also picked up eight wickets in as many games of the last Sher-E-Punjab T20 Cup. If he gets a chance to be part of the eleven, he could impress the spectators with some excellent potential.