The 12th edition of the VIVO Indian Premier League is upon us. Twelve days before we play host to the Delhi Capitals in the season opener at the Wankhede, Mumbai Indians’ first training session took place at the Reliance Corporate Park.

New faces, new flavour:

The MI pre-season camp began with vigour, enthusiasm and amidst high-energy levels under the tutelage of the support staff. New faces – Barinder Sran, Jayant Yadav, Pankaj Jaswal and Rasikh Dar trained with the team.

The camp came as the first opportunity for the new boys to spend time with the team and the support staff. Head physio Nitin Patel, batting coach Robin Singh, fielding coach James Pamment and bowling coach Shane Bond were present to guide the team at the venue.

The team began with their routine warm-ups followed by fielding drills. James Pamment took charge of the fielding session where the entire unit regrouped to get the first training session well and truly underway.

Mitch returns for season five:

Mitchell McClenaghan, who landed in Mumbai on March 10, also trained with the team. The Kiwi speedster will play his fifth season for the Men in Blue and Gold. A regular in the playing XI, mighty Mitchy’s contribution with the ball has been of great value to the team.

Mitchell McClenaghan during action in a net session at the Reliance Corporate Park on Tuesday.

The Kiwi will look to replicate his performance under the guidance of his fellow countryman Shane Bond. The experienced Mitch will surely help youngsters like Rasikh and Pankaj to settle into the team..

The Pandya partnership:

Pandya brothers — Krunal Pandya and Hardik Pandya were also present for the session. Hardik, recovering from an injury, continued his rehabilitation. He had to miss out on the three-match T20I series and the five-match ODI series against Australia with a sore back.

His presence at the training camp came as a relief to his supporters. Hardik has been an integral part of the Mumbai Indians outfit since the 2015 season, playing a pivotal role in their title triumphs in 2015 and 2017.

Hardik Pandya practised spot bowling at the Reliance Corporate Park on Tuesday.

Krunal Pandya, along with Jayant Yadav and others, padded up to have a good crack in the nets at the Reliance Corporate Park. Senior Pandya looked in good touch as he freed his arms under the watchful eyes of Robin Singh.

New mean machine in MI camp:

The entire team also saw the first glimpse of the 17-year-old pacer from Jammu and Kashmir, Rasikh Salam Dar. The youngster, who returned after an injury lay-off, bent his back and was not shy to bowl the short ball. Rasikh was bowling probing lines under the guidance of bowling coach Shane Bond. Rasikh bowled in tandem with our seasoned campaigner Mitchell McClenaghan.

Jayant Yadav ducks to a short-ball from Rasikh Dar at the Reliance Corporate Park.

Stay tuned for more updates from the MI pre-season camp.