When one hears Pradeep Sangwan’s name, the mind automatically back-tracks to memories of an energetic fast bowler, who played a pivotal role in India’s Under-19 world cup campaign in 2008. He was young, fast and came running in towards the opponents with fire in his eyes. A decade on, he is a veteran, with the experience of 185 matches in domestic cricket under his belt. Sangwan is ready to make his debut for us in Vivo Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018.

The 27-year-old Delhi-lad has played with three VIVO IPL teams in the past. He is excited to don the MI jersey this season and is already impressed with the way players in our team bond, well ahead of the season. “The youngsters gel up really nicely in the bonding sessions. They all get together which is a very good thing in a team.”

Sangwan is an integral member of our pace unit this season and is currently gearing up for the challenges lying ahead, in Goa. When asked about his preparations, this is what he had to say, “It’s going good so far. The Indian domestic players are all playing in this tournament (in Goa). We talk about each other’s game in the team bonding sessions. We are preparing hard for the season, whether it be batsmen or fast bowlers. Before the VIVO IPL, there will be another camp. We are preparing much before that which is always a good thing.”

The left-arm pacer looks eager to learn from our coaching staff, especially from Lasith Malinga and Shane Bond. He didn’t shy away from showering a lot of praise for them. “They have a lot of experience. If we talk about T20s, everyone knows that Lasith Malinga has been one of the best fast bowlers in the world. Shane Bond had good pace and good swing in his playing days and it will be exciting to spend time with them. I’ll get to learn a lot from them.”

Sangwan stressed on the importance of team bonding and is enjoying himself in the company of Anukul Roy, who he considers a close friend in the group. He looks forward to meeting the other players in the squad during the pre-season camp. ”The more time I spend together with the other guys, the better I’ll get to know them. I’ve known Saurabh Tiwary since the U-19 World Cup. Once the main camp starts, I would like to meet the other guys as well.”

Playing at the iconic Wankhede stadium is something which everyone looks forward to and like any other Indian cricketer, Sangwan is ready for this challenging and exciting journey. “The ball will swing in Wankhede. You get hit for runs but if you bowl at good pace, you’ll get bounce there which is very advantageous to any fast bowler.”

MI is a family and it’s important for any new member to feel at home. Pradeep Sangwan is a welcome addition and he is gelling with the younger guys really well. Some of the young pacers will have a lot to learn from his experience. He will love to consume all the expertise from our elite coaching staff. Get ready to watch the boy from Delhi make waves in Mumbai.