IPL 2026: Who are Danish Malewar and Krish Bhagat? Mumbai Indians unveil new debutants
IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians handed debuts to young players Danish Malewar and Krish Bhagat in their Indian Premier League 2026 match against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Malewar is a promising Vidarbha batter with strong domestic form, while Bhagat is a Punjab all-rounder who impressed as a support bowler in MI's setup before earning his maiden call-up.
by Naman Suri · India TodayIn Short
- Danish Malewar and Krish Bhagat debut in IPL 2026
- Malewar and Bhagat join the team as debutants
- Rohirt Sharma continues to be sidelined witha hamstring injury
Mumbai Indians handed debuts to young recruits Danish Malewar and Krish Bhagat in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 season against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Monday, April 20.
While the franchise continues to miss opener and former captain Rohit Sharma due to a hamstring injury, MI also dropped overseas opener Ryan Rickelton following a run of poor form at the top.
WHO IS DANISH MALEWAR?
A right-handed batter, Danish hails from Vidarbha and is widely regarded as a rising talent in the domestic circuit due to his consistency in red-ball cricket. MI bought the 21-year-old at the base price of Rs 30 lakh in the 2026 auction.
Malewar began his cricketing journey at the City Gymkhana Academy under coaches Swaroopraj Shrivastava and Nitin Gawande. The coaches were quick to recognise his discipline and determination.
He was also a key contributor in Vidarbha’s title-winning Ranji Trophy 2024–25 campaign, scoring 783 runs at an average of 52 in nine matches. The batter registered two centuries and six half-centuries that season, finishing as his team’s third-highest run-scorer. Malewar played in the middle order for his state, usually coming in at No. 4.
The young batter has represented Vidarbha since the Under-14 level, joining the side at the age of 12. Drawing inspiration from idols Sachin Tendulkar and KL Rahul, Malewar is known for his strong work ethic. However, he aims to develop his own batting identity by mastering every shot in the book, from drives to flicks and sweeps.
Danish, who came out to bat alongside veteran wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock, failed to make a mark after getting blown away by a Kagiso Rabada inswinger. Malewar was adjudged LBW for just two runs in four balls.
WHO IS KRISH BHAGAT?
Krish, who was a replacement for Atharva Ankolekar earlier in the season, is a bowling all-rounder from Punjab. He has been part of Mumbai Indians’ trials for the past two years, having played for the Reliance team in the DY Patil T20 Cup 2026 and served as a support bowler during the pre-season.
“Krish, who was part of the support bowlers, really impressed us. He got into the team three days back, and such is life that he’s playing today,” captain Hardik Pandya said at the toss.
The 21-year-old right-handed all-rounder brings versatility as a right-arm fast bowler and can also contribute with the bat in the lower order.
“Krish has consistently impressed the coaching staff with his dedication, work ethic, and the quality he brings to every session and practice game for Mumbai Indians. His commitment and development over the years, both in domestic cricket and at Mumbai Indians’ practice sessions this season, have earned him this well-deserved opportunity to transition into the main squad,” the franchise said in a brief statement.
The young all-rounder is likely to be utilised in the middle overs, with key fast bowlers struggling to make breakthroughs.
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