Harbhajan Singh - First Player Drafted by Mumbai Indians
Off-spin legend who contributed to Mumbai Indians' Champions League success.
Harbhajan Singh (born 3 July 1980) is an Indian politician and former cricketer. He played for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, though the franchise's first signed player was Sachin Tendulkar as an icon player in the inaugural 2008 IPL auction.
- Historic Significance
- Key player for the franchise, but not the first player drafted; Sachin Tendulkar was the first signed as an icon player in the 2008 auction.
Lore & Background
Harbhajan Singh played for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. He contributed to the Mumbai Indians' 2011 Champions League Twenty20 title, but the man of the match in the final was Lasith Malinga. He was acquired by the Chennai Super Kings in 2018 after 10 years with Mumbai Indians.
In Their Own Story
The air in the auction hall was thick with anticipation as the gavel hovered over the first lot. The Mumbai Indians team owner looked at the screen, knowing that this single choice would define their identity for years to come. When Harbhajan Singh's name was called and the bid was accepted, a ripple of excitement went through the room. It wasn't just about acquiring a bowler; it was about claiming a legend as the cornerstone of a new empire.
Reader's Guide
Harbhajan Singh is an off spin bowler who played for the Indian national cricket team from 1998 to 2016. In the IPL, he played for Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Did You Know?
- Harbhajan Singh took 5 for 18 against Chennai Super Kings in the 2011 Champions League Twenty20, not the IPL; the best IPL bowling figures at Wankhede Stadium are 5/13 by Lasith Malinga or 5/14 by Jasprit Bumrah.
- He was the Mumbai Indians' leading wicket taker in the 2010 IPL season with 17 wickets.
- Harbhajan Singh opened the bowling in the 2010 IPL final against Chennai Super Kings but went wicketless.
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