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5 worst buys of Mumbai Indians in the IPL history

The Indian Premier League auction is a crucible where cricket dreams are forged and franchises are tested. On December 19th, the echoes of gavel and bidding will return, shaping the landscape of IPL 2024. And amidst the frenzy, one team stands tall – Mumbai Indians, the undisputed maestros of the auction maze. Mumbai’s success isn’t accidental. It’s a tapestry woven from meticulous planning, astute scouting, and a knack for identifying hidden gems.

While Mumbai Indians are renowned for their astute player acquisitions, even the most successful franchises have their share of misses. Here’s a look at five of MI’s most underwhelming buys in IPL history:

Zaheer Khan

Mumbai Indians shelled out a whopping 2.6 Crores million for the veteran pacer in 2014, hoping to add his experience and swing bowling prowess to their arsenal. However, Khan’s stint was nothing short of disappointing. Age and fitness concerns seemed to have caught up with him, as he managed a meager 6 wickets in 5 games. His lack of pace and struggle to find rhythm made him a liability in the attack, and his short stay with MI ended up being a forgettable chapter in his illustrious career.

Richard Levi

Mumbai Indians’ high-flying hopes for Richard Levi crashed hard after his initial fireworks. The South African, fresh off a record-breaking T20 century, dazzled with a 35-ball half-century against CSK. But that proved a mere mirage. Over the next five games, Levi’s magic fizzled out, managing just 33 runs and a string of low scores. Levi failed to live upto the hype and MI’s 2.5 Crores has gone down the drain. Levi never featured in the IPL again as none of the franchises were interested in his services.

Andrew Symonds

In 2011, the Mumbai Indians secured the explosive all-rounder Andrew Symonds for a staggering 3.9 crores. The cricketing world buzzed with anticipation. Symonds, a fearsome hitter and wily bowler, had a reputation for turning matches on their head. He was the X-factor Mumbai craved, the potential match-winner they yearned for. However, much like a firework dampened by a sudden downpour, Symonds’ Mumbai stint never quite ignited. The trademark Symonds blitz, the one that sent bowlers scurrying and crowds roaring, was absent. He managed a meager 135 runs in 11 appearances, a pale shadow of the man who once pummeled bowlers into submission.

Ricky Ponting

Ponting’s arrival in Mumbai was undeniably exciting. A legend of the game, his captaincy prowess and aggressive batting had earned him legions of fans. The 400,000 USD price tag reflected the team’s faith in his ability to galvanize the squad. He was named the captain of the franchise. However, his impact was minimal. He managed only 52 runs in five games, a far cry from his prolific past. He eventually  dropped himself as captain, and it is safe to say that acquiring Ponting was one of MI’s worst decisions.

Jofra Archer

Mumbai bought Jofra Archer ahead of the 2022 season in a gamble that defied logic. They shelled out a staggering INR 8 crore for his services despite knowing that he wouldn’t be available for the 2022 season. However, he alluring vision of a dominant pace duo with Jasprit Bumrah quickly turned into a painful reality check. Archer, plagued by an elbow injury, managed a mere four games in 2023 before disappearing yet again, leaving the dream partnership in tatters and Mumbai with a costly and ineffective addition.