IPL 2019: Yuvraj Singh’s inclusion adds to the media value of Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians (MI) are the three-time champions of the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL), having won the championship in 2013, 2015 and 2017 respectively. However, they flattered to deceive in the erstwhile season after being knocked out before the playoffs. Ahead of this year’s auction, the franchise released the likes of Pat Cummins, Mustafizur Rahman and eight others.

However, they traded in South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The went into the auction in Jaipur with a salary cap of INR 11.15 crores In the meantime, the Virat Kohli-captained team also drafted in veteran Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh at his base price of INR 1 crore after the experienced campaigner remained unsold in the auction.

Another chance for Yuvraj

Last year, Yuvraj was picked up by Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), but he couldn’t live up to expectations by any means. He strained to score runs and had a strike-rate of below 100 and hence, couldn’t feature consistently in the team. Nevertheless, Mumbai would be pinning hopes on the 37-year-old from Chandigarh. His inclusion is also likely to bolster MI’s brand value as per reports in Inside Sport.

The Chandigarh-born brings in tremendous media and commercial value for the franchise. He remains as the team’s first choice as far as campaigning in the IPL is concerned. He may not be a spring chicken anymore but can add experience and energy to any squad with his positive approach. Akash Ambani, MI’s owner, had no doubts in admitting that they didn’t expect to get Yuvi at his base price.

Yuvraj has arguably been one of the greatest cricketers India have ever produced. He was one of the primary reasons why the national team was able to emerge triumphant in the 2007 T20 World Cup in South Africa and the 50-overs World Cup in the Indian sub-continent in 2011. He has struggled for form of late and has a great chance off shutting his critics with some blistering performances.

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