5 best Mumbai Indians Players of all time

Since the inception of the Indian Premier League, only two teams have managed to lift the coveted cup thrice, viz. Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.

While the former was banned for two years, Mumbai Indians has been one of the most consistent teams over the years. They won the 2011 Champions League Twenty20 after beating Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final.

If we take brand value into account, Mumbai Indians was estimated at $100+ million making them the most valued IPL team among the franchises.

From Ricky Ponting to Sanath Jayasuriya to Shaun Pollock, a plethora of big names have played for the franchise.

Currently captained by Rohit Sharma, the team has Mahela Jayawardene as the head coach and Shane Bond as the bowling coach.

Let's take a look at five most prominent players to have represented the Mumbai based franchise over the years.

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#5 Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma has won four IPL titles

One of the only two players to have won four IPL titles (the other being Ambati Rayadu,) Sharma was picked up by Mumbai Indians in 2011.

Transcending from a player to the captain in 2013, Sharma has led MI to IPL victories thrice.

"The Hitman" has played 173 matches in total, scoring 4493 runs. He even has a remarkable feat of picking up a hattrick (though it came during his time for Deccan Chargers).

An integral part of the Mumbai Indians' batting lineup, Sharma has proved time and again why he should be the numero uno priority for retention.

Be it his 109* in 60 balls against KKR in 2012 or his 26 fifties for the side, Rohit has a lot left in him, and the Mumbai Indians are sure to benefit from his terrific performances.

#4 Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh was an integral part of the Mumbai side for ten years

A veteran at the Indian Cricket Team's bowling unit, Harbhajan Singh was picked up by Mumbai Indians in the inaugural season of IPL and remained with the side till 2017.

Having been an integral part of the playing XI of the world cup winning Indian team of 2011, "Bhajji" rose to ranks helping MI pick up three IPL titles in 2013, 2015, and 2017.

In the 136 matches he played for the Indians, he picked up 127 wickets at a decent economy of 7.

After ten successful seasons at Mumbai, Harbhajan was picked up by Chennai Super Kings for INR 2 Crores.

#3 Kieron Pollard

Kieron Pollard has been the backbone of Mumbai for many years

Kieron Pollard came into limelight by his stellar performances in 2009 CLT20 when he scored 146 runs in five innings at a strike-rate of close to 200. He was picked up by Mumbai Indians in 2010 and since has become the backbone of the middle order.

A bonafide allrounder, Pollard's athletic abilities have lent balance to the team and helped MI maintain dominance over the opposition.

On multiple occasions, Pollard has proved his mettle as in the 132 matches he has played, he has scored 2476 runs and scalped 56 wickets in total.

Deservedly, he was bought by MI for INR 5.4 Crores when they used the Right To Match card.

#2 Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga picked up 154 wickets

Unarguably the best bowler in IPL history, Lasith Malinga was the strike bowler of Mumbai Indians from 2008-2017. A Purple cap winner in 2011, Malinga was instrumental in numerous MI victories and led the attack from the front.

His sporadic batting cameos have also been fun to watch and were contributory for the success of the team. In the 110 matches he played for MI, Malinga picked up 154 wickets which are a record in itself.

After going unsold in the 11th edition, Malinga was named bowling mentor of Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2018.

#1 Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar played 78 matches scoring 2334 runs in the process

Was there ever any doubt? Sachin Tendulkar was picked up by Mumbai Indians in the inaugural season in 2008 for US$1,121,250. The marquee player of the team, Tendulkar went on to play 78 matches scoring 2334 runs in the process.

In 2010, Tendulkar made 618 runs in 14 innings during the tournament, breaking Shaun Marsh's record of most runs in an IPL season, and earning him the Orange cap and the player of the tournament award.

In 2013, Sachin retired from IPL and was appointed as the Team's "Icon" in 2014.

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Who do you think has been the best player for Mumbai Indians over the years? Sound off in the comments section below!