MI’s New Debutants in Focus: Who Are Danish Malewar and Krish Bhagat?

Mumbai Indians turned the spotlight on their famed scouting system by handing debuts to two uncapped players, Danish Malewar and Krish Bhagat, in a crucial phase of the IPL 2026 season.

Placed at the bottom of the table with their reputation as a powerhouse under pressure, the franchise opted for fresh talent against Gujarat Titans, who won the toss and chose to field on a black-soil pitch with dew expected later.

Malewar, a 22-year-old top-order batter from Vidarbha, was drafted into the playing XI as an opener in place of Ryan Rickelton.

Quinton de Kock retained his position as the first-choice opener after scoring a century in his opening match of the season, while Rohit Sharma continued to remain unavailable due to a hamstring injury.

A specialist opener, Malewar endured a disappointing outing against Gujarat Titans on Monday, with the 21-year-old falling lbw for just 2 runs to a sharp in-swinging delivery from Kagiso Rabada that struck him on the pads.

Who is Danish Malewar and how has he built his domestic reputation?

Malewar has built a reputation in domestic cricket with his solid technique and calm temperament.

He made headlines in the Duleep Trophy last year, hammering a double century for Central Zone against North East Zone.

Retiring on a score above 200, he became the first Indian to do so in 81 years after Vijay Merchant’s 201 in 1944.

Though primarily known for his red-ball credentials, Malewar has also showcased his T20 prowess.

In the Vidarbha Pro T20 League, he scored 318 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 161.42, including an unbeaten 120 off 55 balls.

He carries a first-class batting average of nearly 50, underlining his consistency and ability to play long innings.

Mumbai Indians secured his services at his base price of INR 30 lakh at the IPL 2026 auction held in Abu Dhabi in December 2025.

Who is Krish Bhagat and why did Mumbai Indians bring him in as a replacement?

Alongside him, Krish Bhagat was handed an opportunity after being signed as a replacement for Atharva Ankolekar, who was ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

Bhagat, 21, is a right-arm medium pacer from Punjab who has featured in seven first-class matches and nine List A games, where he has also scored a half-century.

Ankolekar, a left-arm spinning all-rounder, was part of India’s Under-19 World Cup squad in 2020 and was named Player of the Match in the final of the ACC U19 Asia Cup against Bangladesh in 2019.

Bhagat joins Mumbai Indians at his base price of INR 30 lakh. He has been associated with the franchise for the past two years through trials and has also served as a support bowler during the pre-season this year.

He represented Reliance in the DY Patil T20 Cup in 2026.

”His commitment and development over the years, both in domestic and at Mumbai Indians practise sessions this season have earned him this well-deserved opportunity to transition into the main squad,” the statement added.

Bhagat replaced Deepak Chahar in the XI after the experienced bowler conceded 45 runs in 2.3 overs in the previous match.

The inclusion of Malewar and Bhagat reflects Mumbai Indians’ continued emphasis on nurturing emerging Indian talent even in challenging circumstances.