Mumbai Indians have announced Mujeeb Ur Rahman as a replacement for the injured Allah Ghazanfar for IPL 2025. Ghazanfar, a promising 18-year-old spinner, was acquired for ₹4.80 crore in the auction but has been ruled out due to a fracture in his L4 vertebra, sustained during Afghanistan’s tour of Zimbabwe. This injury also sidelines him for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Mujeeb’s inclusion reshapes the team’s bowling lineup, showcasing Mumbai’s ability to make swift, strategic decisions in response to challenges.
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Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Mujeeb Ur Rahman, a talented mystery spinner from Afghanistan, made his IPL debut in 2018 with Punjab Kings, quickly becoming a standout performer. His rise in T20 cricket has been remarkable, making history as the youngest player to take an IPL wicket. Known for his deceptive variations, Mujeeb has evolved into one of Afghanistan’s most reliable spinners. His adaptability in different playing conditions, coupled with consistent performances in T20 leagues worldwide, has made him a valuable asset in the shortest format, and a sought-after player for teams looking to strengthen their spin department.
Here’s the IPL performance in a table format:
| IPL Performance Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Total IPL Matches | 19 |
| Total IPL Wickets | 19 |
| Best Bowling Figures | 3/27 |
| Debut Season (2018) | 14 wickets in 11 matches at an economy of 6.99 |
Mujeeb’s impact goes beyond statistics, creating pressure and forcing batsmen into mistakes, making him a tactical asset.
T20 Cricket Credentials
Here’s a summary of Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s T20 career credentials:
| T20 Career Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Total T20 Matches | 256 |
| Total T20 Wickets | 275 |
| Bowling Average | 23.67 |
| Economy Rate | 6.75 |
| Powerplay Wickets (1-6 overs) | 107 |
| Powerplay Economy Rate | 6.69 |
Mujeeb’s exceptional skill in early overs and versatility across various conditions has made him a sought-after bowler in global T20 leagues.
International T20 Credentials
Here’s the information in table format:
| T20I Matches | 49 appearances representing Afghanistan |
|---|---|
| Wickets | 63 scalps across various conditions and opponents |
| Average | 17.14, highlighting his consistency |
| Economy Rate | 6.33 (sixth-best among full-member team bowlers), demonstrating his ability to control runs |
In the context of Afghanistan cricket, Mujeeb’s achievements stand out prominently. Among his compatriots, only three players have surpassed his wicket-taking record in T20Is: the legendary Rashid Khan with 159 wickets, the experienced Mohammad Nabi with 97 wickets, and the emerging Naveen-ul-Haq with 67 wickets. This places him in elite company within Afghanistan’s cricketing hierarchy.