Santner Ruled Out for at Least a Month with Shoulder Injury

New Zealand’s white-ball captain Mitchell Santner has been sidelined for “at least a month” after scans confirmed a grade three ACL injury to his left shoulder, dealing a blow to both his national team and IPL franchise.

The 34-year-old all-rounder sustained the injury while fielding for Mumbai Indians during their clash against Chennai Super Kings on April 23 in IPL 2026. Although Santner completed his full bowling quota in that match—returning figures of 1 for 44—he did not bat, with Shardul Thakur stepping in as a substitute.

Santner returned to New Zealand earlier this week, where specialists advised a period of rest and rehabilitation lasting at least four weeks, according to New Zealand Cricket (NZC).

The injury will rule Santner out of the upcoming one-off Test against Ireland cricket team later in May, as well as the first Test against England cricket team at Lord’s in early June. NZC added that his availability for the remainder of the England series will be assessed closer to the time.

Santner had only recently joined Mumbai Indians for the current IPL season after taking extended personal leave following the T20 World Cup. Despite limited appearances this year, he had a solid IPL 2025 campaign, picking up 10 wickets in 13 matches at an economy rate of 7.92.

On the international stage, Santner led New Zealand to the final of the recent ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where they finished runners-up to India national cricket team. He contributed 120 runs at a strike rate above 140 and claimed two wickets during the tournament.

While the shoulder injury disrupts New Zealand’s immediate Test plans, Santner is expected to recover in time to lead the side in their white-ball tour of the West Indies scheduled for July.