IPL 2023: Who is Nehal Wadhera? All you need to know about MI debutant

MI batsman Nehal Wadhera scored 21 off 13 deliveries on his IPL debut.

After a forgettable season in 2022, Mumbai Indians are looking for a positive start to their campaign in IPL 2023. They are taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Mumbai have made few changes from the last season’s squad, they have brought in few new faces to the team. One of them is a 22 year old youngster from Ludhiana. Nehal Wadhera without having an experience in T20 Cricket has impressed MI management and now he is taking on RCB bowlers. After a shaky start from MI Top order Wadhera came in to bat at 6 and had a wonderful partnership with Tilak Verma.

Two youngsters help Mumbai take a breather

Both the young guns, Tilak and Nehal Wadhera added 50 runs in 5 overs in their partnership. When Nehal came in to bat, MI were struggling at 48 for 4. Nehal with his short cameo of 21 runs in 13 balls smashed two sixes and a four to help MI go around 100 mark and give them a bit of breather. Known as a “new age Yuvraj Singh” in Punjab Cricket setup, Nehal Wadhera spent a few days in Mumbai Indians trials and then in auction he was bought by the 5-time champions. Nehal is the first member of his family to play professional cricket. He received his coaching at Ludhiana District Cricket Association.

A talented batsman, who loves to score big runs

Left hand batter from Punjab has also played for India Under 19 team. Nehal was part of the juniors in the Asia Cup tournament. Nehal’s father is an industrialist and he has always supported Nehal for his interest in playing Cricket. Nehal’s father also told the media that Nehal developed interest in Cricket at the age of 8. Nehal has recently made his first – class debut for Punjab in this year’s Ranji Trophy. He played in 5 games and scored 376 runs with an average of 53.71. Nehal scored two centuries in the tournament, one against Gujarat and a double ton against Madhya Pradesh.

In the Indian Premier League Mumbai Indians are always known for promoting young faces. From Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Tilak Verma to now Nehal Wadhera they have contributed in preparing the Indian Cricket Team’s bench strength. In 2022 Tilak Verma established himself as a pro in Mumbai Indians setup, if Wadhera keeps this performance going then we can surely see him making a big name in the league. 

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and join our community on Telegram.