When MI Bought Rohit Sharma In A Historic Auction Signing Back In 2011

Rohit Sharma with the IPL trophy (X.com)

Mumbai Indians, one of the most storied and successful IPL franchises, secured the services of Rohit Sharma back in the 2011 IPL auction. However, little did the Ambani family know that the young kid was going to rewrite the history books of the sport back then.

Prior to the auction, Rohit Sharma had already established himself as one of the perennial hitters of Indian cricket. He had been a part of India's T20 World Cup winning squad of 2007. Thus, his stakes were high in the market. The current Indian skipper, Rohit had already had a brilliant IPL career.

When Mumbai Indians roped in Rohit Sharma

While Sharma's entry in the auction triggered an intense bidding war, Mumbai Indians managed to bag him in a $2 million contract. It was deemed massive for a player who had just found his footing in international cricket.

However, for Rohit Sharma, it was a homecoming moment as he returned to his den, Mumbai, after serving several years in Hyderabad. 

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Rohit Sharma's arrival at the Mumbai Indians proved to be a turning point for both the player and the franchise. Over the next decade, Rohit led MI to as many as five IPL titles, thus equaling the record for the most number of title wins in IPL.

Not only that, but Sharma, with the help of a scouting team, built a star-studded team from scratch to lead those young bunch of boys to glory.

The likes of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, who are now superstars of Indian senior cricket team, were products of Mumbai Indians who thrived under the leadership of Rohit.

On the batting front, Rohit Sharma has consistently delivered match-winning performances for Mumbai Indians. His ability to score big knocks, especially in pressure situations, has made him a linchpin of the team's batting lineup.

That being said, the 2011 auction signing not only elevated Rohit Sharma's stature in the IPL but also laid the foundation for a lasting legacy with the Mumbai Indians. His association with the franchise has become synonymous with success, creating a narrative that transcends individual brilliance and emphasizes team accomplishments.

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