It was 13 September 2007 when BCCI Vice-President Lalit Modi laid the foundation stone of IPL. The tournament kicked off in a grand style after KKR’s Brendon McCullum scored 158* in the first game on 18 April 2008 against RCB.
Since then IPL has become the most celebrated T20 franchise league. It has also contributed to huge success in Indian cricket. This has happened because of presence of cricket icons and immense competition.
Along with global superstars, IPL is also a great platform for budding youngsters. It gives them opportunity to learn and also have a good financial support. Till date, Mumbai Indians have been the most successful team of the IPL.
This is mainly because of their scouting network which makes the best signings of MI. They also nurture young talents who later become global superstars. Along with that they support their senior members in the best possible way.
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Here is the list of best signings of MI in the history of IPL:
Lasith Malinga
Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga has always been a great asset for the Mumbai Indians. With his slingy bowling action, Malinga has always been a threat in the shorter formats. During the 2008 auction, Malinga was purchased for just 1.4 crore INR.
However he couldn’t play in that season due to a knee injury. But since he debuted against CSK in 2009, there was no stopping him. Malinga is currently the most successful bowler in the history of IPL. He has taken 170 wickets at an economy of about 7.
Moreover he has an average of 19.80 and strike rate of 16.62. His average is best and strike rate is second-best among bowlers who have at least 50 wickets. This stats prove that he is one of the best signings of MI. Malinga in fact mentored India’s Jasprit Bumrah into delivering toe-crushing yorkers.
During the 2011 season, Malinga went on to become the winner of ‘Purple Cap’ as he took 22 wickets. The 36-year-old wasn’t having a good time during the 2019 IPL. In the final against CSK, he gave away 42 runs in the first three overs. However he defended just nine runs in the deciding over and proved his mettle again.