Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder Mitchell Santner missed the rain-affected clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 7. After MI’s 27-run loss in the 11 overs per side game, head coach Mahela Jayawardene revealed that Santner had opted out of the fixture due to a niggle he picked up in his first game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Delhi Capitals (DC). However, the move is precautionary and Santner is set to be available for selection for the next game.
"Mitch, in the last game, had a little niggle when he came off," Jayawardene said in the post-match press conference. "As a precaution, he wasn't a hundred percent ready to play this game. Hopefully, he will be fit for our next game."
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In the previous clash, Santner had bowled three overs and conceded 22 runs. He claimed the wicket of DC opener Pathum Nissanka who was nearing his maiden IPL half-century.
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How did Santner’s replacement perform?
On April 7, in Santner’s absence, Afghanistan off-spinner Allah Ghazanfar was brought back into the side. In a high-scoring game, he was MI's most successful bowler by getting the wickets of wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel and skipper Riyan Parag. While Jurel was dismissed cheaply, Parag contributed with a 10-ball 20 cameo.
MI’s NRR takes a hit
The loss to RR was MI's second consecutive loss of the season. As a result, MI sit at the seventh place with one win from three games and a net run rate (NRR) inferior to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) who have one win each as well.
Who will MI take on next?
MI's next clash is at home against an in-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The defending champions are currently placed third on the points table with two consecutive wins from as many games.
Big boost for MI
Meanwhile, MI will get a big boost for their RCB clash. After an extended break approved by the franchise to spend time with family, England all-rounder Will Jacks will join the camp.