IPL 2019: Zaheer Khan excited for his stint with Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians (MI) are the most successful team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) along with the MS Dhoni-captained Chennai Super Kings (CSK), both of whom have won the championship thrice. All their three victories in 2013, 2015 and 2017 respectively came under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, who is currently an indispensable member of the popular T20 franchise.

However, they didn’t have the best of seasons last time around as they bowed out before the playoffs. In a bid to turn their fortunes around, they have let go a number of players, which included the likes of Mustafizur Rahman and Pat Cummins. Moreover, they also have traded South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock from Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

An excited Zaheer Khan

They have a salary code of 11.15 crores with seven slots (six Indian and one overseas) available. The franchise has also roped in former Indian speedster Zaheer Khan as their bowling mentor, replacing Sri Lankan speedster Lasith Malinga. The experienced Lanka fast bowler has registered himself in the upcoming auction as a marquee player with a base of INR 2 crore.

Previously, Zaheer has also played for Mumbai Indians (MI). The 40-year-old plied his trade in exactly 100 matches in the IPL in which he racked up 102 wickets at an economy of 7.59 with best bowling figures of 4/17. In 2017, he last played in the prestigious tournament for Delhi Capitals, then Daredevils. The veteran is undoubtedly excited after returning to the Mumbai setup.

Khan expressed his excitement to be a part of MI’s dressing room. He took to Twitter and wrote, “Complete pleasure to be back in my home city with the Mumbai Indians squad. Looking forward to be a part of the dressing with @ImRo45 and @mipaltan . Can’t wait for the season to start,”

Here is Zaheer’s tweet

Complete pleasure to be back in my home city with the Mumbai Indians squad. Looking forward to be a part of the dressing with @ImRo45 and @mipaltan . Can’t wait for the season to start.

— zaheer khan (@ImZaheer) December 18, 2018

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