What it Means to Start as an Underdog: Early years of Mumbai Indians

What it Means to Start as an Underdog: Early years of Mumbai Indians

Life has a knack for presenting beautiful stories that often begin in the most unlikely corners and under unfavourable circumstances, odds stacked high against success. Such is a tale concerning one of cricket’s finest teams, the powerhouse we now know as Mumbai Indians. Back in its nascent stages, Mumbai Indians was no more than a motley crew with an invincible spirit; they were yet another team seeking to carve their niche in the cricketing realm – ‘underdogs’. However, despite fighting back from such adversity, whether on-field or behind the scenes, this bunch’s venture into becoming today’s cricketing stalwarts is inspiring.

In 2007, when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to emulate American sports franchise leagues’ successful format by inaugurating the Indian Premier League (IPL), many regarded it with scepticism. In January 2008, auctions took place where mobile company Reliance Industries’ owner Mukesh Ambani bought the ‘Mumbai franchise’ for a staggering $111.9 million making it then, the most expensive team in IPL.To complete the picture was Sachin Tendulkar—‘The Master Blaster’ tentatively named as coach-cum-icon player cemented Mumbai Indian’s establishment.

• The Trying Times- Season I:This season saw a galvanised squad brimming with fresh talent and seasoned veterans like Harbhajan Singh, Jayasuriya and Lasith Malinga alongside Tendulkar. However,the potent combination failed to deliver results expected.They could manage only five wins out of the 14 and placed last (7th) among eight teams. The Mumbai Indians showed promise yet, ensuring that they were not to be taken lightly.
• The learning curve- Season II:Under Shaun Pollock’s mentorship, Tendulkar led his team on South African soil for Season II where it fared better.The return of key players like Zaheer Khan from their injury breaks greatly buoyed the squad’s morale,and the aggressive outlook saw them wrack up five consecutive wins.Shortly Bloomberg tagged MI as the “richest sports franchise in India” with a brand value of $57.13 million.

Mumbai Indian’s fortunes turned around during IPL’s third season under Sachin Tendulkar’s captaincy. Although the initial games were inconsistent, Malinga’s scintillating bowling performances and Tendulkar living up to his reputation allowed them to end the group stage at top-spot.However,the Chennai Super Kings thwarted their title aspirations in the final.With this bold effort,this time though,reached a turning point; cementing themselves not merely as contestants but strong competition.

The following years affirmed their ascendance when they claimed their maiden Champions League Twenty20 title under Harbhajan Singh’s captaincy (2011). This sequence followed by triumphs in IPL Championship (2013, 15), reached its zenith when they again savoured victory in both tournaments (2019).

• The New Generation: New blood arrived in Rohit Sharma form coupled with promising youngsters providing the necessary vigour that subsequently shaped MI’s future.Rohit’s appointment as captain seemed to give the Mumbai Indian’s a definitive direction and staunch perseverance for triumph.
• Assembling of a Powerhouse:A solid backroom comprising international coaches, world-class facilities, high-tech systems,and unearthing hidden gems have propelled them front runners consistently.
• The People’s Team:Mumbai Indians remain grounded despite their star power constantly giving back through initiatives like partnering with UNICEF in ‘Education Through Sports’ initiative, celebrating events honouring armed forces or advocating novel causes. Being symbolical “Mumbaikars” representing every average citizen they’ve earned ardent fans across demographics globally.

Mumbai Indians’ fascinating tale added another glorious chapter when they bagged their fifth IPL title in 2020.Remaining true underdogs enamoured by overcoming odds,they’ve evolved into cricket giants setting new standards.Holding major benchmarks-equal number of franchises championships as CSK (five) and most individual hundreds(6),herein lies its essence propelling forward ready to face next challenges.Long since beginning their journey as tenacious dreamers; today,the Mumbai Indians stand testimony to what Glenn Cunningham once said-“It is not size, but persistence that defeats everything.”This snapshot shares little of remnants from those ‘underdog’ days – yet it isn’t forgotten directly shaping who they are-today and tomorrow. They started as hopefuls and became winners! Let that be inspiring stories out there on what it means to start as an underdog!