Mumbai Indians is the most successful team in IPL history, with four trophies to their name in 12 seasons. The Mumbai-based franchise has been home to some legendary players like Sachin Tendulkar, Shaun Pollock, Harbhajan Singh, Ricky Ponting, and many others. Mumbai has also given some new stars to the Indian team with Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah being the most successful ones.
The fans and cricket experts have lauded Mumbai’s auction strategies in the last few seasons. Recently, Aakash Chopra had said that Mumbai win 50% of the season at the auction table only. However, just like other teams, Mumbai has made some errors in their strategies. Here’s a look at the seven match-winners Mumbai Indians should have never released.
1.Glenn Maxwell
Mumbai Indians grabbed the headlines by signing Glenn Maxwell for a million dollars in the year 2013. However, they did not give him enough opportunities to showcase his talent.
Next year, Maxwell switched to Kings XI Punjab and became the biggest match-winner for the team. Riding on his excellent performances, Punjab reached the IPL 2014 final.
2.Kuldeep Yadav
Very few fans would know that one of the best spinners in the country right now, Kuldeep Yadav, was a part of Mumbai in IPL. He is currently a part of Kolkata Knight Riders.
However, before Kolkata signed him in 2014, Mumbai had grabbed his services for the 2012 season. The left-arm chinaman bowler did not play a single match for Mumbai.
3.Manish Pandey
Manish Pandey was a part of the India U-19 World Cup winning team of 2008. The right-handed batsman was signed by Mumbai Indians in the U-19 Draft.
But, just like Maxwell, Pandey did not get proper opportunities at Mumbai Indians. He switched to Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2009 and became the first Indian to hit a century in the IPL.
4.Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan was a part of the Mumbai Indians team during the 2009 and 2010 IPL seasons. The southpaw used to open the innings with Sachin Tendulkar.
However, the team management did not retain him ahead of the 2011 season. Dhawan went on to become a match-winner for Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and is now playing well for Delhi Capitals.
5.Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa and Manish Pandey began their IPL careers together at Mumbai Indians. Since Uthappa was a more established player in 2008, he got more chances to play.
Since Mumbai could not make it to the semifinals in 2008, they traded out Pandey and Uthappa to their home franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore. Both players became match winners there, while Uthappa also won Orange Cap in 2014 for KKR.
6.Yuzvendra Chahal
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s leading spin bowler Yuzvendra Chahal made his IPL debut as a Mumbai Indians player. The leg-spinner went to the Bangalore-based franchise soon.
He became one of the best spinners while playing for RCB. Chahal is among the leading wicket-takers in the ongoing IPL 2020 tournament as well.
7.DJ Bravo
Dwayne Bravo was an integral part of Mumbai Indians team in the first few seasons. Bravo even captained the team once upon a time.
However, before the mega auction in 2011, he got released from the team. Chennai Super Kings signed him and then he became one of the best T20 players in the world. If Mumbai would have retained him in 2011, they could have got a solid death bowling pair of Lasith Malinga and Bravo. Besides, Bravo could also destroy the opposition bowlers along with Kieron Pollard.
