Picture Credit: Twitter
We are just a week from the resumption of IPL 2021 and all the players and support staff of all the 8 franchises have almost assembled in UAE. As Mumbai Indians resume their campaign in a bid to complete hat-trick of wins in the tournament, Rohit Sharma's side will have a special member in their dressing room who could be a huge influence for all the members in the side.
Yes, former MI captain and legend Sachin Tendulkar has reached UAE and is set to play a crucial role for the franchise in the remainder of the season. The 5-time IPL champions announced the arrival of 'Master Blaster' in Abu Dhabi on Sunday through a cryptic caption that stated, "The Icon. The Legend. The ___ Aala Re!"
Tendulkar is back in MI's dressing room
The exact role that Tendulkar will play for MI was not really mentioned but it is being reported that he will don the hat of 'Mentor' for the franchise, something which he has done in past. Although the 48-year-old has not been travelling with the team in recent times, the MI Paltan would be delighted to have their legend back with the side, bringing tons of experience in the dressing room.
Notably, the 48-year-old has been associated with the side in some way or the other, ever since his retirement from IPL in 2013. He has often been seen sitting in the MI dug-out in various seasons where he has notably served as a mentor of the side.
A couple of years back when Tendulkar was questioned for 'conflict of interest', the franchise officials had notably described his role as mentor for Mumbai Indians. "He only shares his experience as a mentor and has no role in team selection or any decision-making. There is management which constitutes of the coaches and they take all calls with regards to players," the franchise official had stated.
MI welcomes Sachin Tendulkar in Abu Dhabi
The franchise posted a reel on Instagram where they shared glimpses of Tendulkar's return to Mumbai Indians. In the video, the 48-year-old can be seen smiling and waving towards the camera as he certainly looked excited to be back in IPL.