Mumbai Indians handed debuts to young recruits Denmark Malewar and Krish Bhagat in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 season against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Monday, April 20.
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While the franchise continues miss opener and former captain Rohit Sharma due to hamstring injuryMI also dropped overseas Ryan Rickelton after a run of poor form at the top.
WHO IS DANISH MALEWAR?
Hailing from Vidarbha, the Dane, a right-handed batsman, 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 for a base price of Rs 30 crore in the 2026 auction.
Malewar started his cricket journey at City Gymkhana Academy under coaches Swaroopraj Shrivastava and Nitin Gawande. The coaches quickly recognized his discipline and determination.
He was also a key contributor in Vidarbha’s 2024-25 Ranji Trophy winning campaign, scoring 783 runs at an average of 52 in nine matches. The batsman scored two centuries and six half-centuries that season and finished as his team’s third-highest run-scorer. Malewar played in the middle order for his state, usually batting at No.4.
The young batsman has represented Vidarbha from under-14 level and joined the side at the age of 12. Malewar, who drew inspiration from idols Sachin Tendulkar and KL Rahul, is known for his strong work ethic. However, he is trying to develop his own batting identity by mastering every shot in the book, from runs to flicks and sweeps.
The Dane, who lined up to bat alongside veteran batsman Quinton de Kock, failed to make his mark after being bowled by fielder Kagiso Rabada. Malewar was adjudged LBW for just two runs in four balls. Denmark’s Malewar and Krish Bhagat debut for MI (Snapshot from X)
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 a part of Mumbai Indians trials for the past two years, played for the Reliance team in the DY Patil T20 Cup 2026 and served as a support bowler during the pre-season.
“Krish, who has been part of the bowling support, has really impressed us. He got into the team three days ago and that’s the life he is 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 practice and practice game for Mumbai Indians. His commitment and development over the years, both in domestic cricket and in Mumbai Indians training sessions this season, has earned him this well-deserved opportunity to step up to the first team,” he said in a brief statement.
The young all-rounder is likely to be used in the middle overs, with key fast bowlers looking to make their mark.
– The end
Published on:
20 Apr 2026 19:50 IST
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