Mumbai Indians' scouts have been phenomenal for picking talents like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya: Gautam Gambhir

The success story of Mumbai Indians is phenomenal. After clinching their maiden IPL trophy in 2013, there was no looking back for the Rohit Sharma-led franchise. Over the years, the franchise has emerged as the most successful franchise in the history of IPL with a record four titles to their name.

It was quite a story for Mumbai Indians when they replaced an out-of-form Ricky Ponting as the captain of the side midway in 2013 season. Rohit Sharma replaced the Australian and MI basked in success after this decision. The franchise lifted their first IPL title in that year by defeating MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings in the final. Along with rising to fame, MI has also given birth to many Indian stars.

The franchise identified and produced many exemplary talents like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya. Since breaking into the MI squad, the trio has become an indispensable part of the franchise due to their consistent performances.

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir recently lauded MI for their success story and explained how taking tough calls played a vital role in the franchise’s success. According to Gambhir, not giving emotions a place in their decision-making system has helped MI to reach new heights.

Gautam Gambhir hails MI squad as the strongest ever team

“They don’t take emotional decisions. They take practical decisions and in sports, when you’re making a strong decision, there shouldn’t be any place for emotions,” said Gambhir on Star Sports show Cricket Connected.

Gambhir also praised Mumbai Indians’ scouting system for identifying talents like Bumrah and Pandya brothers. These three players emerged from nowhere and eventually became vital cogs of the Mumbai franchise. Hence, Gambhir said that MI scouts should be given enough credit for their notable work. Moreover, he hailed the MI squad as the strongest ever squad in the history of IPL.

“If you see, dropping Ricky Ponting as a captain, giving it to Rohit Sharma,” Gambhir said. “Plus, I think their scouts have been absolutely phenomenal. Picking Jasprit Bumrah from nowhere, picking Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya from nowhere. We don’t give enough credit to the scouts. Look at what they’ve achieved. Look at their squad… I think theirs is the strongest squad that’s ever been in any IPL so far,” he added.