Unarguably, Mumbai Indians is the most successful franchise in the history of Indian Premier League. They have won it 4 times with the 2019 edition being their 4th title.
Mumbai Indians have been very consistent with their selections from 2010 onwards. They have prepared a strong domestic core who have been ably supported by foreign players as well. From their first IPL title in 2013, they have won alternate titles in 2015,2017 & 2019.
Last two editions have been won by a margin of one run. Over the years, several players have contributed towards the terrific run.
Here’s a look at top 5 players for Mumbai Indians in the history of IPL
1. Rohit Sharma ( Matches-152,Runs-4001,Ave-32.00,SR-130.62)
Ro-hit The Hit Man. He took over captaincy regime from Ricky Ponting and has not look back ever since. The most successful captain in IPL, he led the side win titles in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019. He scores the runs at a rapid pace. For team interest has demoted himself to number 4 also so that it fits with team combination. He has formed a team that knows how to win matches.
2. Kieron Pollard (Matches-170 matches,Runs-3258,Ave-28.83,SR-146.49
Wkts 66, Ave-31.19,ER-8.70)
During the audition for 2010 edition, Bravo, then a MI player, told Neeta Ambani to buy Kieron Pollard to enhance chances of winning IPL. She did the same and from there on, Pollard has been an integral part of MI setup. It would be safe and fair to say that he will hang up his boots there only. He can provide late impetus to innings. His bowling is not probably his weak link but still can bowl the odd over or two and chip in with wickets. 66 wickets mean he is a handy bowler.
His fielding is the biggest plus as he definitely saves 10-15 runs per match and hardly drops a catch. His covering of ground speed is such that if he does not reach a catch then it’s not a catch.
3. Harbhajan Singh (Matches-154, Wkts 147, Ave 26.55, ER 6.96)
Harbhajan brought MI setup experience and that shows in his bowling economy. Going for less than 7 runs an over even after playing for 10 years is monumental achievement. He has also opened the bowling for them which in T20 is no mean task. He is a safe catcher and has the ability to hit some lusty blows. In some matches, he has been used as floater also to bolster the run rate. Rohit Sharma has made him bowl the tough overs and he has very rarely let him down.
4. Lasith Malinga ( Matches-137 matches, Wkts 195, Ave 19.36, ER 7.12)
He has been undoubtedly the best Mumbai Indians bowler till age started to catch up with him. He joined MI from 2009 edition and from then he has been their key performer. In the first 3-4 years, his fast & slow yorkers were treated and would deceive even the best in business. With ageing body and injuries, his performance might have been off-colour for a while but still he is still being used by MI to bowl the death overs. Lastly he defended 9 of last over to help MI pip CSK by a margin of 1 run to lift the trophy.
5. Jasprit Bumrah ( Matches-80,Wkts-85,Ave-26.65,ER-7.57)
Akash Chopra calls him Boom Boom Bumrah! He bowls accurately, with athe target of hitting the stumps. Rohit using him for the death overs always shows the level of confidence in him by his captain. He can bowl yorkers, bouncers, have a good change of pace as well. Most of the times teams play him with the intention of not giving wicket to him. He does not go for plenty as his economy rate suggests. His fielding and batting are not up to the mark but most of the times, his bowling covers these two deficiencies.
