Mitchell McClenaghan discloses why he was released by MI ahead of IPL 2021

New Zealand seamer Mitchell McClenaghan reveals why he was released by Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2021. McClenaghan has been part of the Mumbai Indians since 2015. The Kiwi pacer was released ahead of IPL 2021 mini-auction. Mumbai Indians has always liked the Kiwi seamer, despite him not playing for New Zealand anymore. The Mumbai-based franchise roped him as a replacement in 2018 and retained him for the next two IPL seasons as well.

The left-arm pacer has been part of four title victories. However, he didn’t play a single game last year in UAE. In 56 IPL games, Mitchell McClenaghan picked up 71 wickets at an economy of 8.49. His strike rate of 17.94 with the ball has been quite impressive. Mitchell was the go-to bowler for Rohit Sharma in the powerplay and in the middle-overs. However, he was replaced by Trent Boult last year.

Mumbai Indian to face Punjab Kings in the 17th game of the IPL 2021 season

On Thursday, April 22, Mitchell McClenaghan decided to interact with his fans and cricket enthusiasts. The Kiwi pacer hosted an interactive session on his official Twitter handle. During the interaction, Mitchell answered a few questions relating to his personal and professional life. Most of the questions asked by the cricket fans were regarding the ongoing 14th edition of the Indian Premier League. When a Twitter user questioned Mitchell the reason behind his exclusion from the Mumbai Indians team ahead of IPL 2021, the seamer gave a funny reason. He replied that he is too fat and is not physically fit to be a part of the team.

Talking about MI, they will next take on the Punjab Kings at the Chepauk in Chennai on Friday. This will be the 17th game of the IPL 2021 season. Both franchises are coming into this match on the back of losses in their previous matches. They will be eager to get back to winning ways. Punjab Kings played their first match at the Chepauk this season against SRH. However, the Mohali-based franchise failed to adapt to the slow surface. Having been bundled out for just 120, the PBKS bowling unit could not stop the deadly SRH opening combination of Jonny Bairstow and David Warner.

Mumbai Indians continued their disappointing batting performance. They could only manage a modest 137-9 in their 20 overs against the Delhi Capitals side in their last match. Their strong bowling unit could not do any damage as some sensible batting from Delhi Capitals returned MI their second loss of the competition.

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