Read it in Hindi.

Read it in Marathi.

We might be into the 16^th season, but dealing with this released players’ news is by far the worst part of the IPL.

Let’s admit it. Purely on the basis of our onfield exploits and where we ended up on the points table, 2022 wasn’t our season. But just in terms of memories, bonds and the sheer contribution that each of our 25 players had in fighting right until the end and making sure the spirit of MI shone through, 2022 was indeed special.

Sadly, as the rules of the game dictate, we’ve had to let some of them go ahead of the player auction. And in our small way, here’s a thank you.

The MI-CSK El Classico is always a big deal, and Daniel Sams was our big man on the big night. 4/30 in the first fixture, 3/16 in the next, and he’s earned his bragging rights forever. Jaydev Unadkat was our senior pro who bowled the tough overs in the game for us. Mayank Markande had grown both in confidence and in skill from 2018, when he first was with us as an 18-year-old. Basil Thampi bowled his heart out and then showed even more heart to come back hard after a rough outing.  Murugan Ashwin’s measly spell of 2/14 in our first game was just the start we needed.

Riley Meredith bowling 150kph thunderbolts for fun, Aryan Juyal throwing himself around and playing the perfect shadow, Tymal Mills deceiving batters for fun, Anmolpreet Singh hitting those crunchy boundaries, Fabian Allen, Sanjay Yadav and Rahul Buddhi bringing in the team vibe, ah, 2022’s  moments will surely last a lifetime.

And of course, Kieron Pollard. He isn’t going anywhere. He is still with us. But it officially is the end of an era. 13 years, a million memories, and after giving us a zillion reasons to celebrate, the Mumbai Indians XI, from 2023, will be missing the giant. Our view of long-on will never feel the same.

Before the next season comes along, before the auction comes along, and before the juggernaut gets going all over again, on behalf of our #OneFamily, thank you!