Mumbai Indians happy to have Mitchell Johnson back

Mumbai Indians has bought four players till lunch — Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Johnson, K. Gowtham and Karn Sharma.

Published : Feb 20, 2017 13:17 IST

Mumbai Indians owners were also pleased to have K. Gowtham and Nicholas Pooran in their side.
Mumbai Indians owners were also pleased to have K. Gowtham and Nicholas Pooran in their side.
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Mumbai Indians owners were also pleased to have K. Gowtham and Nicholas Pooran in their side.

Mumbai Indians owners Akash and Nita Ambani addressed the media during the lunch break at the IPL auction on Monday. Mumbai Indians has bought four players till lunch — Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Johnson, K. Gowtham and Karn Sharma.

Read: >Smith and Fleming part of decision to buy Stokes

On buying Mitchell Johnson

Nita Ambani said: "We're happy to have Mitchell Johnson back. He played for us in 2013 when we won. He did very well alongside Malinga. It was a great combination... We have a very conducive team and dressing room environment. Very happy to have Mitch back. Hoping he will repeat the same magic."

Read: >RCB on Tymal Mills: We really needed bowlers with Starc not available

On missing out on Stokes and Mills

"When you enter an auction, you leave disappointment outside the room... Or your strategy doesn't go straight. We always have back up strategies. We are not dissapointed. We are very happy with the players we have."

On youngsters

"Mumbai Indians has always backed youngsters. We're so happy to get Pooran and Gowtham. We've backed Bumrah and Hardik in the past."

On Karn Sharma

"We needed a leggie in the squad."

On the change in coaching staff

"Ricky is now coaching Australia. Being a legend of his country he wanted to coach Australia and he's fulfilling his dream. And you know where Anil (Kumble) bhai is now. If there are better opportunities and they have the passion, we don't want to stop them," said Akash.

Nita added: "Robin and Jonty have been with us for eight years."

On K. Gowtham

Akash said: "He's 27. He's been in and around the Ranji circuit. He's an off-spinner and can bat. He can be a pinch hitter. We are looking at real leaders. And the personality he has on the field will be a real asset to us. He's experienced with the ball but he's also a great leader of men.

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