as Mumbai Indians (MI) The new name has quietly slipped into the limelight in the build-up to IPL 2026 – and it comes with a strong endorsement.
“His slower ball can trouble even the best batsmen”: Irfan Pathan
Ex-India all-rounder Irfan Pathan chose the young pacer Mohammad Izhar as a player to watch, he highlights his ability to trouble even the top-class batsmen with his variations.
Preparing for the season opener against MI Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) The buzz around the team at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29 is not just about certain stars. Instead, it’s also about emerging talent – and Izhar has caught the eye of one of India’s sharpest cricketing minds.
Speaking about the young fast bowler, Pathan did not hold back in his praise.
“His slower ball can trouble even the best hitters” Irfan stated categorically as quoted by TOI.
Coming from someone who has built his career on skilful swing bowling and tactical awareness, this accolade carries serious weight. Patan’s understanding of pace bowling – particularly variations such as slower balls – makes his observation particularly significant.
Although Izhar is still out of the IPL, he has reportedly impressed the Mumbai Indians coaching staff during pre-season training. His ability to bowl slower deliveries under pressure has caught the eye, a skill that is proving crucial in T20 cricket, particularly in the middle innings and at the death.
Will Mohammed Izhar get a chance in star-studded MI pace attack?
While Mohammad Izhar may not yet be a household name, his journey reflects Mumbai Indians’ strong reputation for discovering and developing fast-bowling talent. Over the years, the franchise has built a legacy of identifying raw potential and turning it into world-class performance.
Jasprit Bumrah is a perfect example. Once an unknown prospect, he went on to become one of the best fast bowlers in the world under MI. The franchise has also been instrumental in shaping players like Hardik and Krunal Pandya and given them platforms to grow.
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Now Izhar could be next in line.
However, breaking into MI’s playing XI will not be easy. The team has a formidable pace attack featuring experienced names like Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar and Reece Topley. Each of them brings a unique skill set and makes the competition for spots intense.
But this also works in favor of Izhar. Training alongside bowlers like Bumrah, who has mastered the art of slower deliveries, provides him with the perfect environment to learn and grow. If he continues to impress, MI can use him as a surprise weapon, especially in conditions where volatility is key.
For MI, the upcoming season is about more than just rebuilding – they are chasing their sixth IPL title after a gap of five years. Their bowling attack will play a big role, especially at the Wankhede Stadium, where conditions often favor batting and bowlers have to rely on clever changes to succeed.
Izhar’s skill set could be valuable here. A well-executed slower ball can change the course of a game and if it lives up to the hype, MI may have unearthed another hidden gem.
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