Tiwary made IPL debut for MI in 2008.
Mumbai Indians (MI) batsman Saurabh Tiwary recalled his first stint with the franchise and revealed how he was supported by his teammates including then captain Sachin Tendulkar in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Tiwary was part of the MI from the inauguration edition of the IPL in 2008 and played for the franchise till 2010 before moving to Royal Challengers Bangalore for three seasons 2011-2013 and then Delhi Daredevils, now Delhi Capitals (2014-15) and Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016.
However, the left-hander finally made a comeback to Mumbai in 2017-2018 but wasn’t retained by the franchise in 2019. However, he managed to attract the side again for the ongoing IPL 2020.
Well, the 30-year-old played for different franchisees in the IPL but has spent more time with the MI and he even credited the franchise for making him a cricketer and in fact, shaping him into a better cricketer despite spending a lot of time in the MI dugout.
Tiwary got to play only seven matches for the franchise in the first two seasons, scoring only 39 runs, but the 2010 season was a breakout season for the cricketer as he smashed 419 runs from 16 matches to help MI led by Tendulkar reach the final in that IPL season.
Tiwary said in a chat with MITV: “I was with the MI for the 2008, 2009 season. I only got to play 1-2 games but they still invested in me. Then in 2010, I got the opportunity to play. Things clicked, and I’m still playing. 2010 was a dream season for me. We played well that season. I won the Emerging Player of the Year award and was hugely supported by the team, Sachin sir.”
He concluded, “Mumbai Indians have always supported me and provided me with the biggest platform. So, it feels good to be back here. They made me the cricketer I am today. I like to play for them because it is a matter of pride. No matter there are 8 teams in the IPL, but MI is number one amongst all the teams. MI is One Family in all aspects. My heart will always be with them.”
Noteworthy, Tiwary has played two matches for MI so far in the ongoing IPL 2020, scoring 42 and 21 before an injury sidelined him to pave the way for Ishan Kishan in the team.