Mumbai Indians have won the Indian Premier League title as many as five times. Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris believes that the Mumbai Indians’ ability to scout obscure talents and nurturing them into world-class performers is one of the biggest reasons behind them being the most successful IPL franchise.
Other franchises prefer buying established overseas players, while Mumbai believes in scouting domestic talents. Not only do they scout for the talent they also nurture them and make them great players. Few examples of the players scouted are Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, and Rahul Chahar.
Mumbai Indians have a strong scouting unit – Scott Styris
All these player improved considerably over the years. They are sure shot starters for Mumbai and all of them have debuted for India as well. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are one of the most important players for both MI and India.
“I am an American sports fan, and scouting is a huge part of what they do over there. Your ability to find players under the radar. Look at what has happened to Mumbai, the way they’ve been able to find and develop the Pandya brothers. The way they’ve been able to get Jasprit Bumrah. I am a full believer, 100% behind the scouting,” Scott Styris said.
Ahead of the 14th season of the Indian Premier League, Mumbai Indians roped in former Indian stumper Parthiv Patel as one of the scouts.
Mumbai Indians picked little-known South African left-arm pacer Marco Jansen in the recent IPL auction. Jansen featured in the first few games and bowled brilliantly against the likes of AB de Villers and Glenn Maxwell.
”We’ve got Parthiv Patel here in the bubble (as a commentator), who is — if not here, he’s scouting for the Mumbai Indians. He is right up there, and he is looking for players all around the world. They’ve got scouts looking at all the leagues below, even the first-class levels, and that’s why Mumbai seem to find these players. I think if you want sustained excellence, then you must have a very strong scouting unit.” Scott Styris added.
Mumbai Indians currently sit at the 4th position in the points table. They won their game against Rajasthan Royals thanks to an amazing innings from Quinton de Kock. They next face arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings on Saturday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
