The foundation of a T20 cricket league was laid on 13 September 2007 under the guidance of the then BCCI Vice-President – Lalit Modi. The first edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicked off on 18th April 2008 in Bengaluru. Ever since Brendon McCullum&#8217;s ballistic ton in the first game, the IPL went on to become the most successful cricket league and is celebrated as a festival in India. It has also contributed tremendously to the success of Indian cricket.

The reason behind the success is quite simple – availability of cricket icons and immense competition. The world-class players from all around the globe take part in the IPL, which attracts the cricketing world&#8217;s attention. IPL is an excellent platform for players, especially youngsters. It offers an opportunity before them to learn and also supports the players financially.

One franchise that has been the best in scouting and nurturing the young talents, especially Indian players is Mumbai Indians (MI). The Rohit Sharma-led side is the most successful IPL team with four trophies in the cabinet. Besides nurturing the youngsters, they also support the seniors in the best way possible, which eventually benefits the team.

Here we bring you the five best signings by the Mumbai-based franchise in the IPL history:

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-333081" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Lasith-Malinga-1.jpg" alt="Lasith Malinga" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-333081" class="wp-caption-text">Lasith Malinga. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption>

An all-time great bowler in shorter formats of the game, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/aakash-chopra-shares-a-video-of-young-sri-lankan-pacer-bowling-like-lasith-malinga/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Lasith Malinga</strong></a> has been an asset for Mumbai Indians over the years. In his prime, Malinga, who has a slingy bowling action, is a nightmare for the batsmen. &#8216;Slinga Malinga&#8217; was recruited by MI in 2008 for just 1.4 crore INR. However, he was ruled out of that edition due to knee injury.

Once the right-arm pacer donned the blue jersey of MI, he did not look back. Malinga who made his IPL debut against CSK in 2009 is the most successful bowler in the competition till date. Having featured in 122 matches, the Sri Lankan scalped 170 wickets with an economy of about 7. His average of 19.80 and strike rate of 16.62 are the best and the second-best respectively among all the bowlers who have at least 50 wickets to their name.

Malinga who is known for his toe-crusher yorkers also mentored Jasprit Bumrah and played a vital part in the latter&#8217;s success. Malinga&#8217;s best time in IPL came in 2011 when he bagged &#8216;Purple Cap&#8217; for picking 22 wickets. The white-ball legend was not having a good time in IPL 2019 final as he conceded 42 runs in his first three overs. However, the 36-year-old made an excellent comeback defending just nine runs in the deciding over and proved his mettle again.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-329415" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kieron-Pollard-2.jpg" alt="Kieron Pollard" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-329415" class="wp-caption-text">Kieron Pollard. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption>

Luck played a crucial role in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/in-a-surprising-move-kieron-pollard-officially-named-the-limited-overs-captain-of-west-indies/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Kieron Pollard</strong></a>&#8216;s signing with Mumbai Indians in 2010. During the auction, four teams – MI, CSK, RCB and KKR struck at the same price to get the all-rounder. A tie-breaker was brought in use to decide the fate of Pollard in which Mumbai Indians outdid the others and secured services for 3.4 crore INR. The West Indies all-rounder has been an integral part of MI in each season since then.

The thing which stands out for the aggressive player is his ability to perform in big matches. His crucial knock of 41 runs off just 25 balls in IPL 2019 final, another sensational knock of 36 runs off just 18 balls in IPL 2015 final, brutal knock of 60 runs off just 32 deliveries in IPL 2013 final changed the complexion of the match in his team&#8217;s favour. The dangerous man from Trinidad has successful bailed out his team when they found themselves in a muddle on multiple occasions. His performance has been brilliant in all the seasons in which MI won the title.

Pollard is arguably the best match-winner Mumbai Indians have ever had. The role of the 32-year-old is much more than a player in the Mumbai Indians&#8217; camp. He is like a mentor for the youngsters in the team, especially Pandya brothers. It will be interesting to see whether he starts for MI from the first match in IPL 2020 as he seems to have past his prime.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-329414" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Hardik-Pandya.jpg" alt="Hardik Pandya" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-329414" class="wp-caption-text">Hardik Pandya. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption>

Many might be surprised to see <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/did-you-do-surgery-wearing-the-watch-brazilian-model-izabelle-leite-asks-hardik-pandya/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Hardik Pandya</strong></a>&#8216;s name in this list; however, there is nothing to be surprised. The all-rounder was picked by Mumbai Indians in 2015 IPL Auctions for just 10 Lakh INR. The Baroda-born has been a regular player in MI&#8217;s playing XI since his first season. His improved performance was acknowledged, and he made his international debut for Team India next year in 2016.

His batting potential and skills were known to all but he also worked on his bowling which was evident in IPL 2018 as finished the season as the leading wicket-taker for his team. Hardik had a bowling average of 21.16 and a strike rate of 14.22 which were the best for any Mumbai Indians bowler in that edition. The junior Pandya brother averaged over 44 and struck above 190 and had set the stage on fire in the Indian Premier League this year. The 25-year-old&#8217;s confidence level was sky-high who was instrumental in MI&#8217;s triumph.

No ground is big enough for Hardik when he gains the momentum as clears the ropes easily due to the muscle power he possesses. The dashing all-rounder from Baroda has the capability of finishing the games even in tough situations. The best is yet to come out of Hardik for both Mumbai Indians and the Indian team. The MI fans will expect the swashbuckling player to continue his heroics in the upcoming seasons.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-336483" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma-shot.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-336483" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption>

Mumbai Indians&#8217; fortunes changed when they acquired the emerging player of IPL 2009 — <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/stats-rohit-sharma-registers-a-rare-feat-with-hat-trick-sixes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Rohit Sharma</strong></a> in 2011 for a whopping price of 9.2 crore INR. And, more so when the Nagpur-born took over the captaincy for the franchise in 2013. Mumbai Indians failed to cross the final barrier till 2013. Now, they have lifted 4 IPL trophies till date and all under Rohit Sharma&#8217;s leadership.

Although the support staff of MI is top-notch, Hitman&#8217;s contribution as a captain shouldn&#8217;t be overlooked. Besides being excellent skipper, the right-handed batsman has also contributed decently with the willow. Playing 143 matches for the franchise, the elegant batsman has amassed over 3700 runs at an average of about 32. He also scored a fiery 26-ball fifty against CSK in IPL 2015 final and was presented with the &#8216;Player of the Match&#8217; award for his wonderful knock.

All said and done, the 32-year-old has been ordinary with the bat in the last three seasons. The third-highest run-scorer in the league averaged less than twenty-five in 2017 and 2018 which were his worst IPL seasons. With only two 50+ scores, Rohit averaged less than 30 and struck at less than 130 this year. Mumbai Indians&#8217; fans will be hoping a good time for Rohit in the next season who has the highest number of &#8216;Man of the Match&#8217; awards among Indians in the IPL.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-358341" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_343278.jpg" alt width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-358341" class="wp-caption-text">Jasprit Bumrah (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption>

Last but not the least, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/jasprit-bumrah-needs-to-rework-on-his-stressful-bowling-action-michael-holding/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Jasprit Bumrah</strong></a> was a steal deal by Mumbai Indians. John Wright scouted him during a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match and MI recruited him for just 10 Lakh INR in 2013 auction. Wright was impressed by his pace and extra-ordinary bowling action. The Mumbai Indians&#8217; camp also played a pivotal role in developing Bumrah.

The Ahmedabad-born was not a regular player in his first three seasons (2013-15) as he was not very effective. However, the unique talent kept learning and added more variations to his armoury gradually and consistently. Since 2016, the world witnessed Bumrah&#8217;s rise and made his debut in the Indian colours in the very same year. Now the 25-year-old is the most valuable player of his team, be it Mumbai Indians or even the Indian team.

The paceman can nail pin-point yorkers at will and doesn&#8217;t lose his calm even in tense situations. His four overs are like gold coins for Rohit Sharma, his MI skipper; and Rohit utilises them pretty well. He is asked to bowl in the slog overs or to provide a breakthrough during the middle overs as well. Bumrah who is on the way to be an all-time great was &#8216;Man of the Match&#8217; in the IPL 2019 final triumph as he finished his spell with breath-taking figures of 4-0-19-2.

<em><strong>~Written by Tushar Jain</strong></em>

<p>The foundation of a T20 cricket league was laid on 13 September 2007 under the guidance of the then BCCI Vice-President – Lalit Modi. The first edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicked off on 18th April 2008 in Bengaluru. Ever since Brendon McCullum’s ballistic ton in the first game, the IPL went on to become the most successful cricket league and is celebrated as a festival in India. It has also contributed tremendously to the success of Indian cricket.</p>
<p>The reason behind the success is quite simple – availability of cricket icons and immense competition. The world-class players from all around the globe take part in the IPL, which attracts the cricketing world’s attention. IPL is an excellent platform for players, especially youngsters. It offers an opportunity before them to learn and also supports the players financially.</p>
<p>One franchise that has been the best in scouting and nurturing the young talents, especially Indian players is Mumbai Indians (MI). The Rohit Sharma-led side is the most successful IPL team with four trophies in the cabinet. Besides nurturing the youngsters, they also support the seniors in the best way possible, which eventually benefits the team.</p>
<h3>Here we bring you the five best signings by the Mumbai-based franchise in the IPL history:</h3>
<h3>Lasith Malinga</h3>
<figure id="attachment_333081" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-333081" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-333081" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Lasith-Malinga-1.jpg" alt="Lasith Malinga" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-333081" class="wp-caption-text">Lasith Malinga. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>An all-time great bowler in shorter formats of the game, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/aakash-chopra-shares-a-video-of-young-sri-lankan-pacer-bowling-like-lasith-malinga/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Lasith Malinga</strong></a> has been an asset for Mumbai Indians over the years. In his prime, Malinga, who has a slingy bowling action, is a nightmare for the batsmen. ‘Slinga Malinga’ was recruited by MI in 2008 for just 1.4 crore INR. However, he was ruled out of that edition due to knee injury.</p>
<p>Once the right-arm pacer donned the blue jersey of MI, he did not look back. Malinga who made his IPL debut against CSK in 2009 is the most successful bowler in the competition till date. Having featured in 122 matches, the Sri Lankan scalped 170 wickets with an economy of about 7. His average of 19.80 and strike rate of 16.62 are the best and the second-best respectively among all the bowlers who have at least 50 wickets to their name.</p>
<p>Malinga who is known for his toe-crusher yorkers also mentored Jasprit Bumrah and played a vital part in the latter’s success. Malinga’s best time in IPL came in 2011 when he bagged ‘Purple Cap’ for picking 22 wickets. The white-ball legend was not having a good time in IPL 2019 final as he conceded 42 runs in his first three overs. However, the 36-year-old made an excellent comeback defending just nine runs in the deciding over and proved his mettle again.</p>
<h3>Kieron Pollard</h3>
<figure id="attachment_329415" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-329415" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-329415" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kieron-Pollard-2.jpg" alt="Kieron Pollard" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-329415" class="wp-caption-text">Kieron Pollard. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Luck played a crucial role in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/in-a-surprising-move-kieron-pollard-officially-named-the-limited-overs-captain-of-west-indies/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Kieron Pollard</strong></a>‘s signing with Mumbai Indians in 2010. During the auction, four teams – MI, CSK, RCB and KKR struck at the same price to get the all-rounder. A tie-breaker was brought in use to decide the fate of Pollard in which Mumbai Indians outdid the others and secured services for 3.4 crore INR. The West Indies all-rounder has been an integral part of MI in each season since then.</p>
<p>The thing which stands out for the aggressive player is his ability to perform in big matches. His crucial knock of 41 runs off just 25 balls in IPL 2019 final, another sensational knock of 36 runs off just 18 balls in IPL 2015 final, brutal knock of 60 runs off just 32 deliveries in IPL 2013 final changed the complexion of the match in his team’s favour. The dangerous man from Trinidad has successful bailed out his team when they found themselves in a muddle on multiple occasions. His performance has been brilliant in all the seasons in which MI won the title.</p>
<p>Pollard is arguably the best match-winner Mumbai Indians have ever had. The role of the 32-year-old is much more than a player in the Mumbai Indians’ camp. He is like a mentor for the youngsters in the team, especially Pandya brothers. It will be interesting to see whether he starts for MI from the first match in IPL 2020 as he seems to have past his prime.</p>
<h3>Hardik Pandya</h3>
<figure id="attachment_329414" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-329414" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-329414" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Hardik-Pandya.jpg" alt="Hardik Pandya" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-329414" class="wp-caption-text">Hardik Pandya. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Many might be surprised to see <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/did-you-do-surgery-wearing-the-watch-brazilian-model-izabelle-leite-asks-hardik-pandya/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Hardik Pandya</strong></a>‘s name in this list; however, there is nothing to be surprised. The all-rounder was picked by Mumbai Indians in 2015 IPL Auctions for just 10 Lakh INR. The Baroda-born has been a regular player in MI’s playing XI since his first season. His improved performance was acknowledged, and he made his international debut for Team India next year in 2016.</p>
<p>His batting potential and skills were known to all but he also worked on his bowling which was evident in IPL 2018 as finished the season as the leading wicket-taker for his team. Hardik had a bowling average of 21.16 and a strike rate of 14.22 which were the best for any Mumbai Indians bowler in that edition. The junior Pandya brother averaged over 44 and struck above 190 and had set the stage on fire in the Indian Premier League this year. The 25-year-old’s confidence level was sky-high who was instrumental in MI’s triumph.</p>
<p>No ground is big enough for Hardik when he gains the momentum as clears the ropes easily due to the muscle power he possesses. The dashing all-rounder from Baroda has the capability of finishing the games even in tough situations. The best is yet to come out of Hardik for both Mumbai Indians and the Indian team. The MI fans will expect the swashbuckling player to continue his heroics in the upcoming seasons.</p>
<h3>Rohit Sharma</h3>
<figure id="attachment_336483" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-336483" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-336483" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma-shot.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-336483" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Mumbai Indians’ fortunes changed when they acquired the emerging player of IPL 2009 — <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/stats-rohit-sharma-registers-a-rare-feat-with-hat-trick-sixes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Rohit Sharma</strong></a> in 2011 for a whopping price of 9.2 crore INR. And, more so when the Nagpur-born took over the captaincy for the franchise in 2013. Mumbai Indians failed to cross the final barrier till 2013. Now, they have lifted 4 IPL trophies till date and all under Rohit Sharma’s leadership.</p>
<p>Although the support staff of MI is top-notch, Hitman’s contribution as a captain shouldn’t be overlooked. Besides being excellent skipper, the right-handed batsman has also contributed decently with the willow. Playing 143 matches for the franchise, the elegant batsman has amassed over 3700 runs at an average of about 32. He also scored a fiery 26-ball fifty against CSK in IPL 2015 final and was presented with the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his wonderful knock.</p>
<p>All said and done, the 32-year-old has been ordinary with the bat in the last three seasons. The third-highest run-scorer in the league averaged less than twenty-five in 2017 and 2018 which were his worst IPL seasons. With only two 50+ scores, Rohit averaged less than 30 and struck at less than 130 this year. Mumbai Indians’ fans will be hoping a good time for Rohit in the next season who has the highest number of ‘Man of the Match’ awards among Indians in the IPL.</p>
<h3>Jasprit Bumrah</h3>
<figure id="attachment_358341" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-358341" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-358341" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_343278.jpg" alt width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-358341" class="wp-caption-text">Jasprit Bumrah (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Last but not the least, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/jasprit-bumrah-needs-to-rework-on-his-stressful-bowling-action-michael-holding/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Jasprit Bumrah</strong></a> was a steal deal by Mumbai Indians. John Wright scouted him during a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match and MI recruited him for just 10 Lakh INR in 2013 auction. Wright was impressed by his pace and extra-ordinary bowling action. The Mumbai Indians’ camp also played a pivotal role in developing Bumrah.</p>
<p>The Ahmedabad-born was not a regular player in his first three seasons (2013-15) as he was not very effective. However, the unique talent kept learning and added more variations to his armoury gradually and consistently. Since 2016, the world witnessed Bumrah’s rise and made his debut in the Indian colours in the very same year. Now the 25-year-old is the most valuable player of his team, be it Mumbai Indians or even the Indian team.</p>
<p>The paceman can nail pin-point yorkers at will and doesn’t lose his calm even in tense situations. His four overs are like gold coins for Rohit Sharma, his MI skipper; and Rohit utilises them pretty well. He is asked to bowl in the slog overs or to provide a breakthrough during the middle overs as well. Bumrah who is on the way to be an all-time great was ‘Man of the Match’ in the IPL 2019 final triumph as he finished his spell with breath-taking figures of 4-0-19-2.</p>
<p><em><strong>~Written by Tushar Jain</strong></em></p>

<p>The foundation of a T20 cricket league was laid on 13 September 2007 under the guidance of the then BCCI Vice-President – Lalit Modi. The first edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicked off on 18th April 2008 in Bengaluru. Ever since Brendon McCullum&#8217;s ballistic ton in the first game, the IPL went on to become the most successful cricket league and is celebrated as a festival in India. It has also contributed tremendously to the success of Indian cricket.</p>
<p>The reason behind the success is quite simple – availability of cricket icons and immense competition. The world-class players from all around the globe take part in the IPL, which attracts the cricketing world&#8217;s attention. IPL is an excellent platform for players, especially youngsters. It offers an opportunity before them to learn and also supports the players financially.</p>
<p>One franchise that has been the best in scouting and nurturing the young talents, especially Indian players is Mumbai Indians (MI). The Rohit Sharma-led side is the most successful IPL team with four trophies in the cabinet. Besides nurturing the youngsters, they also support the seniors in the best way possible, which eventually benefits the team.</p>
<h3>Here we bring you the five best signings by the Mumbai-based franchise in the IPL history:</h3>
<h3>Lasith Malinga</h3>
<figure id="attachment_333081" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-333081" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-333081" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Lasith-Malinga-1.jpg" alt="Lasith Malinga" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-333081" class="wp-caption-text">Lasith Malinga. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>An all-time great bowler in shorter formats of the game, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/aakash-chopra-shares-a-video-of-young-sri-lankan-pacer-bowling-like-lasith-malinga/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Lasith Malinga</strong></a> has been an asset for Mumbai Indians over the years. In his prime, Malinga, who has a slingy bowling action, is a nightmare for the batsmen. &#8216;Slinga Malinga&#8217; was recruited by MI in 2008 for just 1.4 crore INR. However, he was ruled out of that edition due to knee injury.</p>
<p>Once the right-arm pacer donned the blue jersey of MI, he did not look back. Malinga who made his IPL debut against CSK in 2009 is the most successful bowler in the competition till date. Having featured in 122 matches, the Sri Lankan scalped 170 wickets with an economy of about 7. His average of 19.80 and strike rate of 16.62 are the best and the second-best respectively among all the bowlers who have at least 50 wickets to their name.</p>
<p>Malinga who is known for his toe-crusher yorkers also mentored Jasprit Bumrah and played a vital part in the latter&#8217;s success. Malinga&#8217;s best time in IPL came in 2011 when he bagged &#8216;Purple Cap&#8217; for picking 22 wickets. The white-ball legend was not having a good time in IPL 2019 final as he conceded 42 runs in his first three overs. However, the 36-year-old made an excellent comeback defending just nine runs in the deciding over and proved his mettle again.</p>
<h3>Kieron Pollard</h3>
<figure id="attachment_329415" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-329415" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-329415" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kieron-Pollard-2.jpg" alt="Kieron Pollard" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-329415" class="wp-caption-text">Kieron Pollard. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Luck played a crucial role in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/in-a-surprising-move-kieron-pollard-officially-named-the-limited-overs-captain-of-west-indies/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Kieron Pollard</strong></a>&#8216;s signing with Mumbai Indians in 2010. During the auction, four teams – MI, CSK, RCB and KKR struck at the same price to get the all-rounder. A tie-breaker was brought in use to decide the fate of Pollard in which Mumbai Indians outdid the others and secured services for 3.4 crore INR. The West Indies all-rounder has been an integral part of MI in each season since then.</p>
<p>The thing which stands out for the aggressive player is his ability to perform in big matches. His crucial knock of 41 runs off just 25 balls in IPL 2019 final, another sensational knock of 36 runs off just 18 balls in IPL 2015 final, brutal knock of 60 runs off just 32 deliveries in IPL 2013 final changed the complexion of the match in his team&#8217;s favour. The dangerous man from Trinidad has successful bailed out his team when they found themselves in a muddle on multiple occasions. His performance has been brilliant in all the seasons in which MI won the title.</p>
<p>Pollard is arguably the best match-winner Mumbai Indians have ever had. The role of the 32-year-old is much more than a player in the Mumbai Indians&#8217; camp. He is like a mentor for the youngsters in the team, especially Pandya brothers. It will be interesting to see whether he starts for MI from the first match in IPL 2020 as he seems to have past his prime.</p>
<h3>Hardik Pandya</h3>
<figure id="attachment_329414" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-329414" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-329414" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Hardik-Pandya.jpg" alt="Hardik Pandya" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-329414" class="wp-caption-text">Hardik Pandya. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Many might be surprised to see <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/did-you-do-surgery-wearing-the-watch-brazilian-model-izabelle-leite-asks-hardik-pandya/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Hardik Pandya</strong></a>&#8216;s name in this list; however, there is nothing to be surprised. The all-rounder was picked by Mumbai Indians in 2015 IPL Auctions for just 10 Lakh INR. The Baroda-born has been a regular player in MI&#8217;s playing XI since his first season. His improved performance was acknowledged, and he made his international debut for Team India next year in 2016.</p>
<p>His batting potential and skills were known to all but he also worked on his bowling which was evident in IPL 2018 as finished the season as the leading wicket-taker for his team. Hardik had a bowling average of 21.16 and a strike rate of 14.22 which were the best for any Mumbai Indians bowler in that edition. The junior Pandya brother averaged over 44 and struck above 190 and had set the stage on fire in the Indian Premier League this year. The 25-year-old&#8217;s confidence level was sky-high who was instrumental in MI&#8217;s triumph.</p>
<p>No ground is big enough for Hardik when he gains the momentum as clears the ropes easily due to the muscle power he possesses. The dashing all-rounder from Baroda has the capability of finishing the games even in tough situations. The best is yet to come out of Hardik for both Mumbai Indians and the Indian team. The MI fans will expect the swashbuckling player to continue his heroics in the upcoming seasons.</p>
<h3>Rohit Sharma</h3>
<figure id="attachment_336483" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-336483" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-336483" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma-shot.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-336483" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Mumbai Indians&#8217; fortunes changed when they acquired the emerging player of IPL 2009 — <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/stats-rohit-sharma-registers-a-rare-feat-with-hat-trick-sixes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Rohit Sharma</strong></a> in 2011 for a whopping price of 9.2 crore INR. And, more so when the Nagpur-born took over the captaincy for the franchise in 2013. Mumbai Indians failed to cross the final barrier till 2013. Now, they have lifted 4 IPL trophies till date and all under Rohit Sharma&#8217;s leadership.</p>
<p>Although the support staff of MI is top-notch, Hitman&#8217;s contribution as a captain shouldn&#8217;t be overlooked. Besides being excellent skipper, the right-handed batsman has also contributed decently with the willow. Playing 143 matches for the franchise, the elegant batsman has amassed over 3700 runs at an average of about 32. He also scored a fiery 26-ball fifty against CSK in IPL 2015 final and was presented with the &#8216;Player of the Match&#8217; award for his wonderful knock.</p>
<p>All said and done, the 32-year-old has been ordinary with the bat in the last three seasons. The third-highest run-scorer in the league averaged less than twenty-five in 2017 and 2018 which were his worst IPL seasons. With only two 50+ scores, Rohit averaged less than 30 and struck at less than 130 this year. Mumbai Indians&#8217; fans will be hoping a good time for Rohit in the next season who has the highest number of &#8216;Man of the Match&#8217; awards among Indians in the IPL.</p>
<h3>Jasprit Bumrah</h3>
<figure id="attachment_358341" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-358341" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-358341" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_343278.jpg" alt width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-358341" class="wp-caption-text">Jasprit Bumrah (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Last but not the least, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/jasprit-bumrah-needs-to-rework-on-his-stressful-bowling-action-michael-holding/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Jasprit Bumrah</strong></a> was a steal deal by Mumbai Indians. John Wright scouted him during a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match and MI recruited him for just 10 Lakh INR in 2013 auction. Wright was impressed by his pace and extra-ordinary bowling action. The Mumbai Indians&#8217; camp also played a pivotal role in developing Bumrah.</p>
<p>The Ahmedabad-born was not a regular player in his first three seasons (2013-15) as he was not very effective. However, the unique talent kept learning and added more variations to his armoury gradually and consistently. Since 2016, the world witnessed Bumrah&#8217;s rise and made his debut in the Indian colours in the very same year. Now the 25-year-old is the most valuable player of his team, be it Mumbai Indians or even the Indian team.</p>
<p>The paceman can nail pin-point yorkers at will and doesn&#8217;t lose his calm even in tense situations. His four overs are like gold coins for Rohit Sharma, his MI skipper; and Rohit utilises them pretty well. He is asked to bowl in the slog overs or to provide a breakthrough during the middle overs as well. Bumrah who is on the way to be an all-time great was &#8216;Man of the Match&#8217; in the IPL 2019 final triumph as he finished his spell with breath-taking figures of 4-0-19-2.</p>
<p><em><strong>~Written by Tushar Jain</strong></em></p>

These players have played a crucial role in making MI the most successful IPL team.

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One franchise that has been the best in scouting and nurturing the young talents, especially Indian players is Mumbai Indians (MI)