Mumbai: Two-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Mumbai Indians (MI) honoured several former players and coaches during their 10th anniversary celebrations here.
Former Mumbai Indians mentor Anil Kumble, who guided the team to their first IPL trophy in 2013, was honoured along with current mentor Sachin Tendulkar.
"It was under Anil bhai's mentorship that we won our first IPL trophy in 2013. Thank you Anil bhai," MI owner Nita Ambani said while adressing the gathering here on Wednesday night.
Former MI stars Ricky Ponting, Zaheer Khan and Shaun Pollock were also honoured along with former captains Harbhajan SIngh and Rohit Sharma.
Rohit has had a successful stint since he took over as MI skipper in 2013. Under his leadership MI won the IPL in 2013 and 2015. Harbhajan had led the MI as captain before Rohit took over.
"I would also like to acknowledge the contribution of legends like Ricky Ponting, Zaheer Khan and Shaun Pollock and, of course, our winning captains Bhajji and Rohit," Ambani said.
Acknowledging the contribution of the youngsters in the side, Ambani said, "Mumbai Indians has been a nursery for young talent like Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, (Yuzvendra) Chahal, (Jasprit) Bumrah, Hardik and Krunal Pandya and Nitish Rana."
"Mumbai Indians have won not just trophies, but also millions of fans. These fans are the ones who inspire us to performa at our best," she added.
"Mumbai Indians have emerged champions not just in cricket, but also in spirit."