3 Pakistan Super League (PSL) stars you might not know were once a part of Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians are the most successful franchise in the history of IPL having won four titles so far. They have been sensational ever since Rohit Sharma took over the reins in season six. ‘Hitman’ who was handed the captaincy midseason during 2013 IPL has transformed the franchise as one of the powerhouses of IPL and a force to reckon with. Several legendary domestic, as well as overseas cricketers such as Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ricky Ponting, Sanath Jayasuriya and Shaun Pollock, have donned the famous MI ‘Blue’ jersey over the years.

But there are players who have had forgettable stints with the four-time winners in the IPL. Despite proving their credentials especially in the T20 leagues across the globe, these players couldn’t make much of an impact during their stay at Mumbai Indians. In fact, many of you might not be knowing the fact that they have once been a part of the Mumbai Indians squad.

On that note, let us look at three top Pakistan Super League (PSL) stars you might not know were once a part of Mumbai Indians in the IPL:

1. Luke Ronchi

Ronchi is currently the sixth highest run-getter in the history of PSL having amassed 1020 runs in 31 matches at a strike-rate of 166.12. The 38-year-old not just emerged as the highest run-getter in his debut season with 435 runs to his name but was also adjudged the Player of the Tournament as was one of the vital cogs in Islamabad United’s title win back in 2018.

He continued his impressive run with the willow in the following edition as well, having finished with 319 runs. This year, he once again topped the batting charts for Islamabad having scored 266 runs in eight innings. Unfortunately, the two-time winners finished last among six teams with seven points in season five having managed just three wins in ten matches.

Not many would be knowing that Ronchi who played International Cricket for both Australia and New Zealand was a part of the Mumbai Indians during the first two editions of the IPL. The vastly experienced wicketkeeper-batsman who played five matches across those two seasons for Mumbai managed 34 runs. Unfortunately, he hasn’t featured in the IPL since then.

2. Ben Dunk

Dunk began his PSL career with Karachi Kings last year where he managed just 124 runs. The southpaw who is known for chewing gum constantly on the field moved to Lahore Qalandars ahead of season five. The 33-year-old mesmerized the fans with his explosive batting throughout the season in which his side finished third in the points table with five wins in ten league matches.

With 266 runs that includes two half-centuries, Dunk emerged as Lahore’s second-highest run-getter behind Chris Lynn (third overall). While chasing 188 runs in one of the league games against Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium, the big-hitting Aussie amassed 99* off just 40 balls at an astonishing strike-rate of 247.50 to help the hosts secure an eight-wicket win in 19.1 overs.

His whirlwind knock which instantly grabbed the headlines comprised three fours and twelve monstrous sixes. Dunk who was a part of the Mumbai Indians squad during 2014 IPL, played just three matches throughout season seven for Rohit Sharma’s men in which he managed 40 runs. That forgettable one-year stay at Mumbai Indians remains to be his only stint so far in the league as he is yet to earn another IPL contract.

3. Alex Hales

Hales who represented Islamabad United in the last two editions of PSL joined Karachi Kings ahead of season five. The England opener amassed 239 runs in just five innings at a strike-rate of 156.20 that includes two half-centuries. He smashed his highest score in PSL so far- 80* off just 48 balls against Lahore Qalandars this year in the same game which also witnessed Ben Dunk’s heroics during the chase.

The 31-year-old’s unbeaten knock comprised six fours and five sixes. Hales who made his IPL debut in season eleven during his stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad was actually a part of the Mumbai Indians squad during their 2015 IPL. Not many would be knowing the Hillingdon-born batsman’s short stint with Mumbai Indians as he was roped in as a replacement to the injured Kiwi all-rounder Corey Anderson ahead of the franchise’s last league game during season eight.

Though Mumbai went on to win their second IPL title in 2015 having defeated Chennai Super Kings once again in the final at Kolkata, he, unfortunately, did not get an opportunity to don the blue jersey. Hales who later moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad (in season eleven) subsequently made his IPL debut and played six matches for the Orange Army in 2018 IPL where they finished as runners-up.