Mumbai Indians have been known to back and give opportunities to young talent. We found the likes of Hardik, Krunal and Jasprit, and the policy continues. Ishan Kishan is one of the newest additions to that list. He comes with some experience in the Vivo Indian Premier League (IPL), and has also captained India’s U-19 squad in the 2016 ICC U-19 World Cup. Another big buy at the auction was that of Evin Lewis, a Trinidadian who can send the ball into the stands and beyond with ease.

Mrs. Nita Ambani was all praises for the young Kishan and mentioned why buying him was a vital move. “Well first, I think Mumbai Indians has always backed young talent. Ishan was the captain of the Under-19 team and Mumbai Indians needed a wicket-keeping batsman in the top order and he fit the bill. We’ve had Krunal, we’ve had Hardik and we backed them, Bumrah too, and I’m sure Ishan will also make us proud by becoming an international player soon.”

As a coach, Mahela explained why he is a worthy buy, even though he was bought for over six crores. “I think he’s definitely a talent! The other teams were interested in him up to 6.2 Crores, which says that he’s a talent for the future. Some of the other wicket-keeper/batsmen went at a higher price, and because it’s very difficult to find a top order Indian wicket-keeper/batsman, especially in an auction like this, they are actually very good to have in your team. They are genuine all-rounders, so I think that’s where we felt like investing in a young cricketer. It means that he’s going to be part of this team for the future and we can build on that.”

A huge section of the Paltan wanted Evin Lewis in our squad. Well, he is here for the 2018 season, and our think tank had their eyes set on him. Mahela has been impressed with Lewis’ talent and is excited to see him play with MI. “I think he’s a great buy especially at that price, considering some of the other players’ prices that they were going for. I think he’s a young, talented West Indian cricketer who has shown abundance of talent especially against the Indian national team where he scored a couple of hundreds. So, I think we’re very excited to have him. He’ll be a great fit for this franchise. I’m sure that he will enjoy batting at the Wankhede, because it’s a very good batting wicket and it’ll be fun to see him come next IPL.”

Mrs. Nita Ambani was also upbeat about having Lewis in our flanks, in blue. “Well, before I came into the auction I just knew that there was this young cricketer from the Caribbean that we’ve all set our eyes on.”

Akash Ambani was perhaps the happiest on landing Evin Lewis. “I am the most excited I can say it openly! All our openers if you remember, from Smith to Lendl, and now to Evin – he’s going to be a fantastic addition to our squad. We’ve never had a lefty opener who has been so destructive and I think it’ll be something special for all the Mumbai Indians fans to watch. I think they’re going to have a great, great time watching him open the batting and we’re looking forward to it.”

One cannot deny the fact that these two lads, Ishan Kishan and Evin Lewis, hold complete potential to be the face of T20 cricket. They have all that is required to be successful with us, and they surely want to make their Paltan feel proud throughout the season.