5 Australian Cricketers who did not taste success at Mumbai Indians

The three-time champions Mumbai Indians are known for unearthing hidden talent and pursuing a specific player passionately. Before moving into the auction, they have a pre-planned set of players who they will not let go at any cost.

Several great players have played for Mumbai Indians, including Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Shaun Pollock and many more.

The selection of core players has contributed immensely towards their successful run. The Mumbai Indians buy apt players who are suitable for the team.

The Aussies have produced some remarkable players who have been able to prosper in the cash-rich IPL.

Hoping that the Australian cricketers would repeat their heroics, Mumbai Indians managed to bring them on board. Besides, not all the Aussies could replicate their past success with Mumbai Indians.

We will look at the Australians who failed to make a mark with Mumbai Indians.

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#5 Michael Hussey

Michael Hussey was the winner of Orange Cap in 2013

Hussey is considered to be a top opener due to his versatile batting style. He was a permanent fixture in Australia's squad. His pull shots are a treat to watch as he manages to play it with ease.

He is greatly remembered for providing the final touch in the thrilling encounter against Pakistan which led the Australians into the 2009 T20 World Cup finals. However, he couldn't replicate his form with Mumbai Indians.

Mr. Cricket was acquired by the Mumbai Indians in the 2014 IPL auction after having a terrific season with their rivals Chennai Super Kings amassing 733 runs at a stunning average of 53.36. Hussey also bagged the orange cap for scoring the most runs.

However, he was dropped from the starting lineup after scoring only 30 runs in his first four games. His form from the 2013 season was never visible and he was later released by the Mumbai Indians.

This signing proved to be unworthy for the Mumbai Indians. He is the batting coach for Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming IPL season.

#4 Ben Dunk

Dunk was adjudged as the BBL Player of the Tournament in 2013 (Image credits: Mumbai Indians)

The Australian wicket-keeper batsman was snapped up by the Mumbai Indians in the 2014 IPL auction after having been judged as the BBL Player of the Tournament. He is also known for scoring 50 runs off just 20 balls in his debut BBL match.

Also, the team management tactically planned of having a left-handed opening combination of Australians Hussey and Ben Dunk. But the southpaw failed to repay the faith of the team management and live up to the expectations.

Out of the three games he played, he could only garner 40 runs with the highest score being 20. His average was 13.3 which is not ideal for an opener. He was released by the squad as the team found the likes of Lendl Simmons performing more consistently.

#3 Aiden Blizzard

Blizzard is known for scoring 89 runs off 38 balls on his T20 debut

The Australian opener was bought by the Mumbai Indians in the 2011 IPL auction along with the likes of James Franklin, Clint Mckay and other international cricketers. He is considered to be an aggressive batsman who can also rotate the strike constantly.

During his two year tenure with Mumbai Indians in the 2011 and 2012 IPL season, he got to play a total of seven games where he scored 120 runs with an average of 17.14. His highest score was 51. He proved to be a disappointing buy for the Mumbai Indians.

He returned for a second stint with Mumbai Indians for the 2015 IPL season but couldn't make it to the starting XI. Since then he has never been considered by the IPL teams and is used to becoming unsold year after year.

#2 Andrew Symonds

Symonds was bought by the Mumbai Indians for 5.5 crores in the 2011 IPL auction

Andrew Symonds, the Aussie all-rounder is known for his hard-hitting abilities, handy bowling skills and also for his quick-fire fielding.

In the cricketing history, he has been in the news for wrong reasons and is by far the most controversial cricketer to have played the game.

He was a part of title-winning Deccan Chargers in the second edition of the IPL. Until 2010, he stayed with the now-defunct Deccan Chargers and moved to Mumbai Indians for the 2011 edition of the IPL.

He was bought for a hefty sum of 5.5 crores making him one of the costliest buys in that auction.

He played a total of 11 matches where he took a solitary wicket at an economy of 10.25. Also, he managed to score only 135 runs whereas all-rounders like Kieron Pollard proved to be handy with both the bat and the ball.

For a player who is known to hit boundaries at will, he was far from being that during his time with Mumbai Indians.

Due to this reason, he could not make it to the XI for the most part of the season.

#1 Ricky Ponting

The opening duo of Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting provoked great interest among the fans

Ricky Ponting is one of the legends to have played the game and is considered as the greatest Australian cricketer of all time.

He was bought by the Mumbai Indians in the 2013 IPL auction at his base price of 2.1 crores.

Being the captain of the team, Mumbai Indians had a very shaky start to their campaign where they lost three out of their first six matches.

Even Ponting had a miserable run of form where he managed to score only 52 runs from the six games he played.

He stepped down from the position and replaced himself with Dwayne Smith. His selfless sacrification paved the way for the Mumbai Indians to clinch their first ever IPL victory.

He also went on to become the coach for the Mumbai Indians and helped the team to win the 2015 edition of the IPL.

Although, he was a failure for the team as a player, his selection as the head coach came as a blessing in disguise which helped them secure the trophy twice under his guidance.