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There’s a reason why Mumbai Indians (MI) are the most successful franchise in IPL history. Their scouting system is unparalleled, consistently unearthing raw talent and transforming them into superstars. The biggest success stories? Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, two players who went from unknown domestic cricketers to integral members of Team India—all thanks to MI’s ability to identify and nurture talent.
Nita Ambani, the owner of Mumbai Indians, recently opened up about her first meeting with the Pandya brothers, recalling how Hardik and Krunal survived on just Maggi noodles for three years due to financial struggles.
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“Two Lanky Boys” with Nothing But Hunger to Succeed
Speaking about MI’s talent scouting process, Nita Ambani revealed how she personally attended Ranji Trophy and domestic matches, looking for future stars. It was during one of these scouting sessions that MI’s talent team introduced her to two young, lanky, and thin boys—Hardik and Krunal Pandya.
“I was talking to them, and they said that for three years, they’ve eaten nothing but Maggi noodles because they had no money. But in them, I saw the spirit, the passion, and the hunger to make it big,” Ambani recalled.
Despite their humble beginnings, both brothers had immense potential, and Mumbai Indians saw the spark in them. In 2015, MI bought Hardik Pandya for just $10,000 (~₹8 lakh), a decision that turned out to be one of the biggest steals in IPL history.
“Today, Hardik is the proud captain of Mumbai Indians. From two struggling boys to IPL stars—it’s an inspiring journey,” she added.
Jasprit Bumrah: From Tennis Balls to the World’s Best Bowler
The MI scouting process didn’t stop with the Pandya brothers. Even before Hardik’s arrival, the franchise had already discovered Jasprit Bumrah, a bowler with an unusual action and an even more unusual journey.
Bumrah didn’t grow up bowling with a season ball—he mostly played with tennis balls and tape balls. Yet, Mumbai Indians saw something special in him.
“The next year, our scouts got one young cricketer with an odd body language, and they said, ‘Watch him bowl.’ We watched him, and he could just speak to the ball. That was our Bumrah, and the rest is history,” Nita Ambani revealed.
Bumrah made his MI debut in 2013, stunning everyone when he rattled AB de Villiers’ stumps and gave him a send-off. From that moment on, he never looked back. Today, Bumrah is one of the greatest fast bowlers in the world, a testament to MI’s eye for talent and their ability to transform unknown players into global cricketing icons.
Mumbai Indians: The Nursery of Indian Cricket
From Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah to the recent emergence of Tilak Varma, Mumbai Indians have consistently provided a platform for young cricketers to shine.
“Last year, we launched Tilak Varma, and now he is a proud member of Team India. Mumbai Indians is rightfully called the nursery of cricket in India,” Nita Ambani proudly stated.
With MI’s scouting and nurturing system continuing to produce future stars, it’s no surprise that the franchise remains one of the most dominant teams in IPL history.
From two struggling boys eating Maggi to captaining one of the biggest T20 franchises, Hardik Pandya’s journey with Mumbai Indians proves that talent, when nurtured properly, can achieve greatness.
