Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians. Image Credit: IPL

Mumbai Indians will be eyeing a record-extending fifth title in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Last year, the Rohit Sharma-led side defeated Chennai Super Kings in the final to become the first-ever team to win the title four times.

Mumbai Indians will open their title defence against their arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings on the opening day of the tournament on September 19 in Abu Dhabi. The Mumbai-based franchise will be looking to hit the ground running. And it looks like they are leaving no stone unturned to prepare for the season.

The four-time champions have roped in none other than their former bowler and West Indies star Alzarri Joseph. At the moment, he is not a part of the squad and it looks like the franchise will avail his services just as a net bowler. The franchise has not announced the development officially but the bowler was seen bowling to their batsman Chris Lynn in the nets on Friday.

Alzarri Joseph
Alzarri Joseph bowling in the nets (Credits: YouTube/screengrab)

Alzarri Joseph had gone unsold in the previous players’ auction. Prior to that, he had plied his trade for Mumbai Indians last year when the franchise roped him in as an injury replacement. They had signed him to replace Adam Milne before the West Indian was also ruled out of the competition due to an injury.

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But before that, he managed to leave a big mark for the team. On his debut, he finished with best-ever IPL figures of 6/12 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, helping his side defend 136. But a bad tumble while fielding against Rajasthan Royals saw him dislocate his shoulder and eventually getting ruled out of the tournament.

Alzarri Joseph
Alzarri Joseph (Credits: BCCI)

Earlier this month, Mumbai Indians had roped in James Pattinson to replace their all-time leading wicket-taker Lasith Malinga. The Sri Lankan pacer had pulled out of the competition citing personal reasons.

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