McClenaghan out to prove his worth for MI

The Kiwi is an out-andout team man. And that’s not the only good thing about getting him to don the Mumbai Indians jersey for the fourth IPL season in succession.

A bowler’s job is to pick up wickets and do so with ridiculous regularity. McClenaghan ticks that box right away. In his three seasons with MI, the Kiwi giant has accumulated very impressive numbers: 54 wickets in 40 matches at an average of under 25, a strike-rate of just over 17, and an economy rate of under 9. 

Any captain would be happy to have the services of such a player. After all, these are fabulous returns in a tournament played on the flattest of pitches in the peak of summer. McClenaghan made his debut in the 2015 season and he struck gold by scalping Virat Kohli immediately, his first wicket in MI colours. 

With 18 wickets in just 12 games, the Kiwi played a big role in helping MI win the title. His four three-wicket hauls, including one such performance in the final, made him the skipper’s go to bowler. 

McClenaghan continued the good work in 2016, too, picking up 17 wickets in 14 matches, thereby topping the charts for MI. His best that season was 4/21, but it came in a losing cause against the now-defunct Gujarat Lions. 

He did well in the 2017 season, too, finishing with 19 wickets as MI won a record third VIVO IPL title. It  is not always easy for a globe-trotting sportsperson to strike a chord with a new city. However, McClenaghan is not just any other person. In his three seasons with MI, he has embraced the city and its people. 

For instance, when the rains lashed Mumbai last year, he was quick to express his solidarity with the people of Mumbai on Twitter. 

His relationship with the fans is praiseworthy. He makes it a point to reply to anybody provided the queries are pertinent and genuine. Last year, he held a #savage competition on Twitter, urging his fans to use the hashtag and explain why they deserved a signed MI jersey of his. It’s heartening to see players connect with their fans at so many different levels. 

And when the player happens to be a foreigner, the feeling is even more special. His generosity simply endears him to all. Incredibly, his character is symptomatic of Mumbai.