Contest 11 Entry: Favourite Franchise Cricket Team
Hello everyone @world-of-cricket. This is my Contest Entry for Contest 11 -- Favourite Franchise Cricket Team.
Although I pursue interest in a lot of T20 franchise teams around the world, I got highest affinity towards Mumbai Indians. Now why do I say so?
Sachin Tendulkar is my favourite cricketer of all time. Back in 2008 when the IPL began, the Master Blaster became a part of MI, based in Mumbai, his home town.
Also I admired Sri Lankan legend Jayasuriya's batting and always wanted to see him bat alongside Sachin. Before the advent of T20 cricket, that wouldn't have been possible. But the IPL made my wish come true. Luckily Jayasuriya was picked by MI think-tank in the auction. Then and there my love for this franchise grew.
Soon the team picked up other world class cricketers in the auction which catapulted my devotion for the team. The likes of other Sri Lankan cricketers -- Dilhara Fernando, Lasith Malinga also donned the blue and gold jersey.
When it comes to neighbours Bangladesh, talented batsman Mohammad Ashraful was once part of MI's squad. Most recently, the left arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman plied his trade for the most successful IPL team.
Apart from the aforementioned cricketers, Mumbai Indians has been lucky enough to avail the services of several overseas cricketers. Ricky Ponting, Andrew Symonds, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Pollock, Herschells Gibbs, JP Duminy, Dwayne Bravo, Martin Guptill, Kieron Pollard are most notable among them.
Another reason for my love towards the team is that MI has groomed a lot of players who went on to represent Indian National team later on. Jaspreet Bumrah, the Pandya brothers, Ambati Rayudu, Suryakumar Yadav are worth mentioning in this case.
MI's squad for the 2021 edition of IPL looks like this --
However the current edition of the IPL has been postponed indefinitely midway due to Covid situation in India.
Bonus trivia:
MI has won the now-defunct Champions League T20 title two times -- 2011 (inaugural edition) and 2013.
It is widely believed that Sachin Tendulkar suggested the name Mumbai Indians, instead of the previously thought about name 'Mumbai Razors' which matched with the team logo of Sudarshan Chakra.
With such a rich pool of cricketing talents, MI has lifted the IPL trophy five teams in thirteen editions. Mumbai Indians is also involved in social work and philanthropic activities like providing education facilities to the underprivileged, besides supporting several NGOs.
No matter which team one supports, it's all about staying loyal to the team during tough times. I am a Mumbai Indians fan out and out and hope to remain one until I keep watching cricket.
Thats all about my favourite T20 franchise team. I appreciate your time reading this article.
References:
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