Mumbai Indians have added Danish Malewar, a promising uncapped Indian batter from Vidarbha, to their squad after signing him for Rs 30 lakh (base price) at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The move brings one of India’s most in-form domestic batters into MI’s development-heavy setup.
A breakout name in domestic cricket
Danish Malewar is a right-handed top-order batter who can also bowl occasional leg-spin. Over the last two domestic seasons, he has emerged as one of Vidarbha’s most reliable run-scorers, gaining attention for his composure in long innings and ability to accelerate when needed.
His biggest breakthrough came in the Ranji Trophy 2024–25 season, where he played a central role in Vidarbha’s title-winning campaign.
Stellar Ranji Trophy season
Malewar finished the Ranji season with:
- 783 runs
- Average: 52.20
- Centuries: 2
- Fifties: 6
He saved his best for the biggest stage, scoring a match-defining 153 in the Ranji Trophy final, underlining his temperament in pressure situations.
Duleep Trophy double century
His rise continued in the Duleep Trophy 2025–26, where he announced himself on debut for Central Zone with a stunning 203 not out. The innings showcased his endurance, shot selection, and ability to dominate quality bowling attacks.
T20 credentials
While primarily known for red-ball consistency, Malewar has also shown flashes of explosive batting in shorter formats. In the Vidarbha Pro T20 League, he grabbed headlines with a blistering unbeaten 120, highlighting his adaptability across formats—an important factor for IPL scouts.
Why Mumbai Indians picked him
Mumbai Indians are known for backing young Indian talent, and Malewar fits their long-term vision:
- Strong first-class temperament
- Proven ability to play big innings
- Signs of T20 acceleration
- Low-risk signing at Rs 30 lakh
MI see him as a developmental investment, someone who can be groomed for future seasons rather than an immediate starter.
IPL 2026 outlook
Although Danish Malewar is unlikely to walk straight into MI’s playing XI, his inclusion gives him exposure to elite coaching, high-performance environments, and experienced international players. For a batter coming off back-to-back standout domestic seasons, this IPL contract marks a major step forward.
At just Rs 30 lakh, Mumbai Indians may have quietly secured one of the most promising uncapped Indian batters from the domestic circuit heading into IPL 2026.
