Who is Mohammed Izhar? 5 interesting facts about uncapped pacer signed by MI at IPL 2026 Auction

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are renowned for unearthing relatively unknown young players through their meticulous scouting in the IPL. The franchise pulled another potential rabbit out of the hat by acquiring 21-year-old Mohammad Izhar in the IPL 2026 auction on December 16.

The left-arm pacer boasts no prior IPL experience, but MI had no hesitation in pulling the trigger for him at ₹30 Lakh. Despite their rich overall history, the past half-decade hasn't been kind to the franchise.

MI have qualified for the playoffs only twice in the last five IPL seasons, with two bottom-place finishes part of the unfathomable record. In a bid to reassert themselves as the dominant force of the league, they signed four uncapped Indian players out of their five signings at the 2026 auction, with Izhar being one of them.

On that note, here are five interesting facts about MI's latest recruit, Mohammad Izhar.

#1 Connection with MI's arch-rivals

MI have formed a fierce rivalry with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) over the years in the IPL. The two franchises have won five titles each, facing each other in four finals.

Incidentally, Mohammed Izhar was a net bowler with the Men in Yellow in the 2025 season. The franchise recruited the youngster just before their season opener against MI.

While they won that clash, the rest of the season went downhill with the side finishing at the bottom of the standings for the first time in their rich IPL history.

#2 SMAT heroics

Mohammed Izhar has become a relatively well-known face among Indian cricket fans, thanks to the ongoing 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). Playing for Bihar in his first high-level tournament of note, the youngster has thrived beyond his age.

Izhar has picked up nine wickets at an average of 15.55 and an economy of 7.11 in five games. After going wicketless in his first outing, the left-arm pacer stunned Madhya Pradesh with figures of 4/39 despite the side's defeat.

Izhar continued his impressive run with two wickets each in his next two matches before adding another wicket in their final group stage encounter against Goa.

#3 Izhar's path to the IPL

Mohammed Izhar's journey to becoming a net bowler for CSK in the IPL has been full of sacrifices. His father, Maulana Salauddin, endured multiple roles, as a primary school teacher and mosque imam in his village.

Due to financial constraints, the young bowler had to leave home at age 17 and rent a room in the same village to train at the Kosi Cricket Club.

In a recent interview, Izhar's mother spoke about her son's journey to the IPL, saying (via Odisha TV):

"I had never thought about my son going to the IPL but he has earned this through sheer difficulties, hardships, and hard work. He now hopes to perform and one day plays for India in the international field, making the entire nation proud."

Izhar eventually broke through in Bihar's Under-23 side and was picked by the MRF Pace Foundation last year, paving the way for his involvement with CSK in IPL 2025.

#4 Team India dreams

Despite barely playing much high-level cricket, Mohammed Izhar has already stated his wish to represent India. Born in Patna, the 21-year-old could offer a left-arm fast-bowling skillset that is rarely found in the Indian ranks.

The youngster was not satisfied with just joining CSK as a net bowler and said in an interview then (via Biharsay):

"I’m still far from success. My goal is to secure a place in the Indian cricket team."

MI picked another young left-arm pacer, Ashwani Kumar, for the same price in the 2025 auction. Despite his lack of experience, the 24-year-old played seven matches in IPL 2025, picking up 11 wickets.

With MI's tendency to field young and unknown players, Izhar's IPL debut may not be far away.

#5 The Virat Kohli meet

Mohammed Izhar ensured he capitalized on his time as CSK's net bowler in IPL 2025. A day before CSK's second game of the season against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the youngster shared a photo of himself with the legendary Virat Kohli.

The match in question on the day after went RCB's way, with Kohli scoring a 30-ball 31 in their 50-run win.