In a bid to bolster their struggling campaign, Mumbai Indians have roped in veteran South African spinner Keshav Maharaj for IPL 2026, replacing the injured Mitchell Starc. The left-armer picked up a left shoulder injury in MI’s last home fixture versus Chennai Super Kings, sidelining him for the rest of the season.
Priced at 75 lakhs, Maharaj joins a Mumbai side desperate for points, currently ninth after losing five of seven matches. The IPL’s formal statement highlighted the seamless swap, underscoring MI’s proactive approach amid a rocky run.
At 36, Maharaj remains one of Proteas’ most reliable spinners, with a career spanning Tests, ODIs, and T20Is since 2016. His left-arm orthodox spin, characterized by sharp control and variations, has troubled batters worldwide. A standout moment came in T20 World Cup 2021, where he debuted as captain against Sri Lanka and struck gold on his first ball.
Globally, his ledger reads impressive: 62 Tests yielding 218 wickets, 56 ODIs with 73 dismissals, and 54 T20Is for 55 scalps. His brief IPL stint in 2024 with Rajasthan Royals netted two wickets in two games. Maharaj’s exploits in SA20, CPL, and BPL add to his T20 credentials, making him a valuable overseas pick.
MI fans will hope Maharaj’s guile revives their bowling attack. As the points table tightens, this replacement could prove pivotal, offering a fresh tactical edge in their playoff push.
