Auction chhota tha, par homework full solid 💥. As we look ahead to 2026, Wankhede is ready to welcome a fresh set of players who’ve earned their place the hard way. These aren’t just new signings; they carry a proper MI attitude: Thoda swag, thoda grind, full commitment.

Price tags bhul jao! These talents have earned their Blue & Gold stripes with pure domestic fire 🔥. Let’s meet the new faces ready to light up Marine Drive nights.

Atharva Ankolekar: The ‘Local Boy’ Homecoming 🏠

Bandya is BACK HOME! For Atharva, this isn't just a contract; it’s a full circle. From being the son of a BEST bus conductor to a U-19 World Cup hero (5/28 in the 2019 final), and now a Mumbai Indian, his story is pure Mumbaiya grit. 🚌💪

The ‘Form’ Report: A reliable bowling all-rounder who lets his game do the talking. He picked up 9 wickets in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and chipped in with a quick 26 off 9 balls in a crunch Super League match against Rajasthan. In the 2025 Police Shield Final, batting at No. 7 for New Hindu Cricket Club, he smashed 128* and followed it up with 5/123 against Mumbai Police Gymkhana. 🏏

The X-Factor: He knows every blade of grass at Wankhede. His left-arm spin isn't just about wickets; it’s about that shaana local knowledge of how the evening dew plays tricks. 🌙✨

Did You Know? Atharva’s father, a former Kanga League player, placed a cricket bat in his crib on his birth day. Talk about destiny! 👶🏏

Danish Malewar: The Vidarbha Run-Machine 🏎️💨

If consistency had a face this season, it might just be Danish Malewar. At 22, he’s already played innings that senior pros would be proud of.

The ‘Form’ Report: A composed 153 in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy Final to take Vidarbha past Kerala. Then an unbeaten 203 in the 2025 Duleep Trophy quarter-finals. Proper long-innings temperament, no shortcuts.

The X-Factor: Malewar is that middle-order stabiliser every T20 team needs. When things get thoda shaky, he settles the ship. And once set, he shifts gears smoothly. Think of him as the Sea Link between Powerplay chaos and finishing drama. 🌉

Did You Know? By scoring 203 and retiring out in the 2025 Duleep Trophy, he joined a rare list: the first Indian in 81 years to do so, a feat previously seen in the days of Vijay Merchant and Gogumal Kishenchand. Old-school record, new-school player. 🔥

Mayank Rawat: Dilli Power, Mumbai Finish 👊⚡

Every squad needs someone who doesn’t believe in “taking time.” Mayank Rawat is built for impact.

The ‘Form’ Report: A key figure in East Delhi Riders’ 2024 DPL title win, finishing with a strike rate of 190.13, including a 78 off 39 in the final. In 2025, he once again led the team into the playoffs. Big-match temperament? Check ✅. 

The X-Factor: Pure finisher energy. Comes in, sees ball, hits ball. Simple. Plus, his off-spin isn’t just for namesake: it’s a handy tactical option, especially against left-handers. Proper 3D package. 🎯

Did You Know? Mayank has showcased his license to hit maximums, smashing six sixes in an over during a DDCA League match in April 2025. In Feb 2026, he showed how he is repping up for the Blue and Gold with four sixes in an over during a DY Patil T20 League game against Shreyas Iyer’s BPCL.

Mohammad Izhar: The Left-Arm Lightning ⚡💎

Scouting sometimes means going off the usual radar. That’s where Mohammad Izhar comes in.

The ‘Form’ Report: Izhar made heads turn in the 2025 SMAT season, bagging 9 wickets in 5 games at Eden Gardens. His standout show? A lethal 4/39 against a heavy-duty Madhya Pradesh side. 🌬️🏏

The X-Factor: A left-arm pacer who clocks 135 kmph and swings it both ways. It means Wankhede’s early evening breeze is his playground. 🦁

Did You Know? Talk about a "bus-y" schedule! Soon after being picked at the auction, he had to take a six-hour bus ride from his village to Patna for a state camp. No drama, no noise! Just work mode on. 🚌💨

Paltan, the future is looking ekdum jhakas! Which of these fresh faces are you most excited to see at the Wankhede?