Mitchell Santner Likely to Miss Crucial WTC Matches Following IPL 2026 Exit

Mitchell Santner had a tough end to IPL 2026 with Mumbai Indians. Now, the problem is bigger. He will miss important Test matches, including World Test Championship (WTC) games, due to a serious shoulder injury.

Injury setback rules Santner out of crucial WTC matches after IPL 2026

He got injured during a match against Chennai Super Kings on April 23. Santner finished his bowling (1/44) but did not bat. Shardul Thakur came to bat instead. At first, fans were confused, but later it was known that Santner had a concussion and shoulder injury.

Santner played only four matches this season. He took five wickets and scored 26 runs. Last season was better for him, with 10 wickets in 13 matches. Many expected him to do more this year, but the team struggled. Allah Ghazanfar was one of the few players who did well.

After returning home, Santner met a doctor. New Zealand Cricket said he needs rest for about one month. So, he will miss the Test against Ireland and the first Test against England at Lord’s. It is still not clear if he can play the remaining matches.

This is a setback for New Zealand with many Test matches coming. Santner had already missed the Bangladesh tour due to IPL, and now he is racing to get fit. There is some good news. He may be fit for the West Indies white-ball tour in July and could return as captain in those matches.

New Zealand’s Upcoming Test Schedule

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by mishaalmubarak May 1, 2026