3 former Mumbai Indians stars who could make a comeback to the team at the auction

The Mumbai Indians have established themselves as a powerhouse in the Indian Premier League in the last few seasons. This feat has been possible due to the commitment which their players have given on the cricket field.

Also, the one primary reason for their dominance has been that they have retained their core group consisting of proven performers and built a side around them. The Mumbai Indians last season let go off Buttler and Rayudu very easily in the auction.

Hence, they should not make the same mistake again and continue to strengthen their philosophy by signing these three players back at the auction on Tuesday.

Let us have a look at the three ex-Mumbai Indians stars who could make a comeback to the franchise at the auction.

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#3 Lendl Simmons

St Lucia Stars v Guyana Amazon Warriors - 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Tournament

Lendl Simmons was one of the star players for the Mumbai Indians who helped them to win the IPL trophy in 2013. He, alongside Parthiv Patel, formed a dangerous and adventurous opening pair for the Mumbai Indians in the 2015 season. Despite giving a suitable platform from the top for the team in almost every match he played, Simmons was highly under-rated and never received the accolades as much as Rohit Sharma or Pollard for his contribution to the team.

He served the Mumbai Indians faithfully and gave a crucial edge to the side through his runs as an opener in critical matches.

Having scored 1079 runs in 29 matches at an impressive average of 39.96 and strike rate of 126.64 for the Mumbai Indians in his IPL career, Simmons is available at a base price of ₹75 lakhs at the auction on Tuesday. Hence, it is expected of Mumbai Indians to sign back their proven performer at the auction.

#2 Axar Patel

Axar Patel started his IPL career as a Mumbai Indians player in 2013. Having got fewer opportunities that season, Axar Patel left them and joined the Kings XI Punjab in 2014. Since then he has gone on to become an asset for Punjab due to his accurate line and length, economical overs in the middle and useful contribution with the bat down the order.

Despite being the only player kept by the Kings XI Punjab before the last auction, he has been unfairly released by them before this year's auction.

Having taken 61 wickets in 68 matches at an average of 28.93 and economy rate of 7.52 in his IPL career so far, his addition could further strengthen the bowling department and provide depth to the batting line-up of the Mumbai Indians.

Hence, due to being one of the bright stars in the IPL, there is a possibility that the Mumbai Indians may try their best to sign him at the auction.

#1 Lasith Malinga

CLT20 2012 Chennai Super Kings v Mumbai Indians

Lasith Malinga was a stalwart for the Mumbai Indians for almost a decade. Being regarded as one of the premier bowlers in the T20 format, Malinga has become famous for his toe-crushing yorkers which are unplayable and have got the better of even the best batsmen in the world.

Along with his yorkers, Malinga also possesses a cunning slower delivery and a lethal bouncer in his armoury. Before the arrival of Bumrah, Malinga was the strike bowler for the Mumbai Indians and helped them by taking some critical wickets in important games.

Malinga has picked up 179 wickets in 128 matches at an average of 18.64 and economy rate of 6.88. Having been a bowling mentor for the Mumbai Indians last season, Malinga has resigned from this position and hence is available at the auction on Tuesday. Mumbai Indians could bring him back to the franchise and again form a formidable death overs partnership with Jasprit Bumrah.