Mumbai Indians have moved quickly in IPL 2026, bringing in two fresh faces as injury cover for the rest of the season. Mahipal Lomror and Ruchit Ahir have been signed to replace Quinton de Kock and Raj Angad Bawa, who were ruled out at different stages of MI’s campaign.
De Kock missed MI’s match versus Sunrisers Hyderabad after a tendon issue was diagnosed in his left wrist ahead of the April 29 fixture. Bawa, meanwhile, suffered a ligament tear in his right thumb during Mumbai’s encounter against Punjab Kings on May 14, cutting short his availability.
Quick facts
- MI signed Mahipal Lomror and Ruchit Ahir as injury replacements for IPL 2026.
- De Kock was ruled out due to a tendon injury to his left wrist before the April 29 match vs Sunrisers Hyderabad.
- Bawa sustained a ligament tear in his right thumb during the May 14 game against Punjab Kings.
- Both original players appeared in only three matches this season before being sidelined.
- Lomror was signed for Rs 50 lakh and Ahir for Rs 30 lakh.
- MI are ninth on the points table with eight points from 13 matches.
Lomror arrives with a proven T20 track record, offering left-handed batting depth and all-round balance to Mumbai’s XI. The 26-year-old has already played 40 IPL matches and has previously turned out for Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
His IPL experience also includes stints with Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans, though he did not play a game during those earlier squad periods. Now, Mumbai will hope his experience and versatility can help them steady proceedings as the season winds down.
Ahir, the wicketkeeper-batter, is set to add another specialist option behind the stumps. The 25-year-old from Saurashtra has featured in 16 List A matches and 12 T20s in his domestic career, and MI believe his pre-season work has been a useful indicator of his readiness.
In its squad statement, the franchise noted that Ahir was part of the Reliance group at the DY Patil T20 Cup 2026 earlier in the pre-season, where the coaching staff and team management had a close look at him. “Mumbai Indians are pleased to welcome both players to the squad,” the team said.
With MI’s IPL 2026 campaign already over in terms of playoff contention, their focus shifts to ending the league phase strongly. The five-time champions are currently placed ninth, having collected eight points from 13 matches, meaning their remaining fixtures carry limited margin for error in the standings.
MI will aim to finish on a brighter note when they host Rajasthan Royals at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. However, another defeat could push them further down, while a win for Rajasthan would effectively confirm their qualification for the playoffs.
