Over the years, the Mumbai Indians have had the privilege of having some of the greatest players in the world donning their blue and gold jerseys. From explosive batsmen to crafty bowlers, the Mumbai Indians have always had a star-studded squad. But who is the cream of the crop? Today, we will be counting down the top 5 players to have ever played for the Mumbai Indians. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to relive some of the most memorable moments in MI’s IPL history!
Number 1. Rohit Sharma
Image Source – Twitter
Rohit Sharma is a cricketing superstar and one of the Mumbai Indians’ best players in IPL history. He has consistently demonstrated his impressive batting skills, astute captaincy, and longevity with the franchise.
His record of over 5000 runs for MI at an average of 31.47 and a strike rate of 130.61123, with 213 sixes, makes him the third-highest run-scorer in IPL history, behind Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina. He has also scored one century and 39 half-centuries for MI, including a match-winning knock of 109* against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012.
As captain, Rohit Sharma has led MI to five IPL titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020, making him the most successful captain in IPL history and the only captain to win five titles in any T20 league in the world. His leadership skills, tactical prowess, and ability to inspire his team to perform at their best have earned him widespread praise.
Rohit Sharma has been with MI since 2011 and has played over 150 matches for them, making him one of their most loyal and experienced players. His talent and dedication have inspired future generations of cricketers, and his contributions to the Mumbai Indians’ IPL legacy will be remembered for years to come.
Number 2. Sachin Tendulkar
Image Source – Twitter
Tendulkar’s impact on Mumbai Indians’ success can be traced back to the very beginning. He was the team’s captain in its inaugural season in 2008, leading the side with distinction and helping to instil a winning mentality in the squad.
But it’s not just Tendulkar’s captaincy that makes him a legend. His batting was the stuff of dreams, as he consistently scored runs for the team with ease. In total, he scored over 2000 runs for Mumbai Indians, with an average of 34.83 and a strike rate of 119.81. He also hit a total of 13 half-centuries, showcasing his consistency and ability to perform under pressure.
Tendulkar’s legacy with Mumbai Indians goes beyond just his stats, however. He was also a mentor and role model for younger players, helping to nurture and develop future stars of the team. His experience and expertise were invaluable to the team, and his presence in the dressing room was a source of inspiration for all.
Number 3. Lasith Malinga
Image Source – Twitter
Lasith Malinga, one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, has established himself as one of Mumbai Indians’ best players in IPL history. With 170 wickets in 122 matches at an average of 19.80 and an economy rate of 7.14, Malinga is the highest wicket-taker in IPL history. His lethal bowling and match-winning performances have played a significant role in Mumbai Indians’ success. He has taken six four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul for the franchise, including a memorable spell of 5/13 against Delhi Daredevils in 2011. His arsenal of toe-crushing yorkers, deceptive slower balls, and pinpoint accuracy have left batsmen intimidated.
Malinga’s longevity with Mumbai Indians since 2009 has made him one of their most loyal and successful players, with contributions to their title wins in 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019. He is the only player to win four titles with a single franchise in IPL history. He announced his retirement from franchise cricket in 2020, leaving behind a legacy that will be hard to match. His contributions to Mumbai Indians will always be remembered, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest fast bowlers to have played in the IPL.
Number 4. Kieron Pollard
Image Source – Twitter
Kieron Pollard is undeniably one of the most dynamic and versatile players in Mumbai Indians’ IPL history. His explosive batting, useful bowling, brilliant fielding, and leadership skills make him one of the most valuable players in the league. Let’s dive into some of the reasons why:
With 3023 runs in 164 matches at an average of 29.93 and a strike rate of 149.87, Pollard is a destructive force in the IPL. He has hit 198 sixes for MI, the second-most by any player for a single franchise in IPL history, just behind Rohit Sharma. He has scored 15 half-centuries for MI, including a blistering knock of 83 off just 31 balls against Kings XI Punjab in 2019.
Pollard’s bowling is just as impressive as his batting, with 63 wickets for MI at an economy rate of 8.86. He can be relied upon to take crucial wickets at any stage of the innings. Additionally, his fielding is unmatched, with 88 catches for MI, the most by any player for a single franchise in IPL history.
He announced his retirement from IPL cricket in 2022, bringing an end to an illustrious career in the league. His legacy will be hard to match, and his impact on Mumbai Indians will be remembered for years to come.
Number 5. Jasprit Bumrah
Image Source – Twitter
Jasprit Bumrah is undoubtedly one of the best players in Mumbai Indians’ IPL history, known for his accurate bowling, wicket-taking ability, death-over skills, and consistency. He has taken 125 wickets in just 107 matches for MI with an impressive average of 23.32 and an economy rate of 7.41, making him one of the most economical bowlers in the IPL. Bumrah has also taken four four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul, including a match-winning spell of 5/7 against Delhi Capitals in 2020.
Bumrah’s accurate deliveries and overs have made him one of the most reliable bowlers in the league, with his yorkers and slower balls being his most potent weapons. He played a crucial role in Mumbai Indians’ title wins in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020, and is the only player to win five titles with a single franchise in IPL history.
Despite his impressive record, Bumrah is still playing for MI, and fans can expect him to lead their bowling attack for many more seasons to come. With his consistent performances and match-winning abilities, he has undoubtedly cemented his place as one of the greatest players in Mumbai Indians’ history.
