As Mumbai Indians (MI) gear up for IPL 2026, a new name has quietly entered the spotlight – and it comes with a strong endorsement.
“His slower ball can trouble even the best batters”: Irfan Pathan
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has singled out young pacer Mohammed Izhar as a player to watch, highlighting his ability to trouble even top-level batters with his variations.
With MI preparing for their season opener against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29, the buzz around the team isn’t just about established stars. Instead, it’s also about emerging talent – and Izhar seems to have caught the attention of one of India’s sharpest cricket minds.
Speaking about the young fast bowler, Pathan didn’t hold back in his praise.
“His slower ball can trouble even the best batters,” Irfan stated emphatically as quoted by TOI.
Coming from someone who built his career on skillful swing bowling and tactical awareness, this praise carries serious weight. Pathan’s understanding of pace bowling – especially variations like slower balls – makes his observation particularly significant.
Izhar, though still uncapped in the IPL, has reportedly impressed the Mumbai Indians coaching staff during pre-season training. His ability to execute slower deliveries under pressure has stood out, a skill that often proves crucial in T20 cricket, especially in the middle overs and at the death.
Will Mohammed Izhar get a chance in star-studded MI pace attack?
While Mohammed Izhar may not yet be a household name, his journey reflects Mumbai Indians’ strong reputation for discovering and nurturing 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 the perfect example. Once an unknown prospect, he went on to become one of the best fast bowlers in the world under MI’s guidance. The franchise has also played a key role in shaping players like Hardik and Krunal Pandya, giving them platforms to grow.
Now, Izhar could be the next in line.
However, breaking into MI’s playing XI won’t be easy. The team boasts 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, making competition for spots intense.
But this also works in Izhar’s favour. Training alongside bowlers like Bumrah – who has mastered the art of slower deliveries – provides him with the perfect environment to learn and evolve. If he continues to impress, MI could use him as a surprise weapon, especially in conditions where variation 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 major role, particularly at the Wankhede Stadium, where conditions often favour batters and bowlers need to rely on clever variations to succeed.
This is where Izhar’s skill set could become valuable. A well-executed slower ball can change the course of a game, and if he lives up to the hype, MI might have uncovered another hidden gem.
