Mumbai Indians are the most successful franchise in the history of IPL. While their on-field tactics are one of the main reasons for that, MI’s talent management also gets credit for their success. The likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya have all come through the Mumbai Indians scouting system. The franchise has also been intelligent at the auctions, making smart purchases, but also not shying away from splurging when the player is necessary. On that note, in this article, we take a look at what the five most expensive buys by Mumbai Indians in IPL history are up to at the moment.
5. Kieron Pollard – 5.4 CR (IPL 2018)
Mumbai Indians had gone all out for Kieron Pollard when the West Indian had first emerged into the scene. Also, in IPL 2018, since they were not able to retain him, Mumbai shelled out INR 5.4 cr for the player. He stands at No.5 in the list of most expensive buys by Mumbai Indians in IPL history.
Ahead of IPL 2022, Pollard has been retained by the outfit. The West Indian is also the captain of his country in limited-overs cricket. Regarded as one of the best finishers in T20 cricket, Pollard also does a good job with the ball occasionally.
4. Ishan Kishan – 6.2 CR (IPL 2018)
If you take a look at Mumbai Indians, they have always settled with second-choice options when it comes to the wicket-keeper position. They relied on the likes of Ambati Rayudu and Parthiv Patel for long and hence, in IPL 2018 Auctions, they paid a lot to uncapped cricketer Ishan Kishan.
Kishan has made his India debut and is now a constant feature in the limited-overs squads. With regards to IPL, he has been released by Mumbai and will take part in IPL 2022 Mega-Auctions.
3. Nathan Coulter-Nile – 8 CR (IPL 2020)
After IPL 2018, Mumbai Indians have employed the strategy of using overseas pacers. Hence, for IPL 2020, they went a little bit extra to procure Nathan Coulter-Nile.
The pacer, who was once a regular in the Aussie setup, now finds himself often outside the playing XI. He will need a strong domestic season to get back into the plans of the selectors.
2. Krunal Pandya – 8.8 CR (IPL 2018)
Krunal Pandya stands at No.2 in this list of most expensive buys by Mumbai Indians in IPL history. At the IPL 2018 Mega-Auctions, it was purely due to auction dynamics that Krunal’s salary got bloated. MI eventually had to use their RTM card to retain the player who was the Player of the Match in the IPL 2017 Final.
However, ahead of IPL 2022 Auctions, Krunal has been released by the franchise. The Baroda all-rounder is also finding it tough to get a chance in Team India. The likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel are being preferred in Krunal’s role. That said, if the player can have a good domestic season and IPL, he can fancy a return to the Team India setup.
1. Rohit Sharma – 9.2 CR (IPL 2011)
After playing for Deccan Chargers in the first three seasons, Rohit Sharma was released to the auctions. Mumbai Indians were looking for an Indian batsman in their line-up. Rohit was from Mumbai and it was a no-brainer that the franchise went after the player.
The highest run-scorer for the franchise till now, Rohit has captained MI in all their five IPL wins. At the moment, Rohit is still the captain of the franchise. Recently, the Hitman was also appointed as the captain of the Indian Team in both T20I and ODI cricket. There are reports that he could take up the mantle in Tests, as well.
