as soon as Mumbai Indians (MI) As IPL gears up for 2026, a new name has slowly come into the limelight – and it comes with a strong endorsement.
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan young fast bowler mohammed izhar As a player to watch, he has highlighted his ability to trouble top-class batsmen with his variations.
MI on 29th March Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) As they prepare for their season opener against the United States, the buzz around the team isn’t just about the established stars. Instead, it is also about emerging talent – and Izhar has caught the attention of one of India’s sharpest cricketing minds.
Talking about the young fast bowler, Pathan left no stone unturned in his praise.
“His slower ball can trouble even the best batsmen,” Irrfan said emphatically as quoted by TOI.
Coming from someone who built his career on skilled swing bowling and strategic awareness, this accolade holds serious significance. Pathan’s understanding of pace bowling – especially of variations like slower balls – makes his comments particularly valuable.
Izhar, although still uncapped in the IPL, has impressed the Mumbai Indians coaching staff during pre-season training. What has made him stand out is his ability to execute slower deliveries under pressure, a skill that often proves vital in T20 cricket, especially in the middle overs and late overs.
While Mohammed Izhar may not be a household name yet, his journey reflects Mumbai Indians’ strong reputation for finding and nurturing fast bowling talent. Over the years, the franchise has built a legacy of identifying raw potential and converting it into world-class performances.
Jasprit Bumrah is the perfect example of this. Once an unknown prospect, he became one of the best fast bowlers in the world under the guidance of MI. The franchise has also played a vital role in shaping players like Hardik and Krunal Pandya, providing them the platform to develop.
Now, Izhar could be next.
However, making a place in MI’s playing XI will not be easy. The team has a strong fast bowling attack with experienced names like Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar and Rich Topley. Each of them brings a unique skill set, making competition for places intense.
But this also works in favor of expression. Training with bowlers like Bumrah – who has mastered the art of slower deliveries – provides him an ideal environment to learn and develop. If he continues to impress, MI can use him as a surprise weapon, especially in situations where variation is important.
For MI, the upcoming season is not just about rebuilding – they are trying to clinch their sixth IPL title after a gap of five years. Their bowling attack will play a major role, especially at the Wankhede Stadium, where conditions often favor the batsmen and the bowlers have to rely on clever variations to succeed.
This is where Izhar’s skill set can be valuable. A well-executed slower ball can change the course of the game, and if it lives up to expectations, MI may have discovered another hidden gem.
