Three-time IPL champion Mumbai Indians remain to be one of the most balanced squads after the mega-auctions which saw them lose some of their biggest names.
Ahead of the auctions, Mumbai Indians retained Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. Going into the auctions, they were possibly very clear about the players they want to bring back into their squad. Kieron Pollard and Krunal Pandya were the two all-rounders who were retained by Mumbai Indians via the Right To Match (RTM) cards.
While Mumbai Paltan looks to be a very strong side now, they had to let go some of the key players who have been an integral part of their previous squads.
After the auction, Mumbai Indians owner Nita Ambani said that it was disappointing to see Harbhajan Singh being no more a part of the squad.
“I wouldn’t say I’m disappointed that we didn’t get X or Y. However, we won’t be having Bhajji (Harbhajan Singh), so that’s a disappointment,” Nita told The Telegraph.
Bhajji, who has picked up 127 wickets at an average of 26.65 and an economy rate of 6.96 in 136 IPL matches, was bought by Chennai Super Kings at his base price of Rs 2 crore. He had been a part of the Mumbai franchise since 2008 and it will be for the first time that he will represent another team in the T20 tournament.
After being bought by a new franchise, Harbhajan too displayed his emotions on Twitter, “Thank you @mipaltan for a wonderful & memorable 10 yrs…it was great playing for you…all the best going forward for IPL 2018 …,” the off-spinner tweeted.
Thank you @mipaltan for a wonderful & memorable 10 yrs…it was great playing for you…all the best going forward for IPL 2018 … 👍
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) January 28, 2018
MI replied back thanking Bhajji for his decade-long stay at the franchise, “10 years, 5 trophies and countless memories! Thank you, Bhajjipa! #IPLAuction #MISquad2018 #CricketMeriJaan,” they tweeted.
🔟 years, 5⃣ trophies and countless memories! Thank you, Bhajjipa!#IPLAuction #MISquad2018 #CricketMeriJaan https://t.co/IXHNJp6gnV
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) January 28, 2018
