When Mumbai Indians picked up Chris Lynn at the IPL 2020 auction in Kolkata, one of the several factors that made the Australian big-hitter happy, in his won words, was that he would not have to face star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah!
Lynn had represented the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) from 2014 to 2019. He was picked up by Mumbai Indians for his base price of Rs 2 crore at the auction on Thursday. He has made 41 appearances in the IPL and scored 1,280 runs at an average of 33.68 with 10 half-centuries, and has a career strike rate of 140.65.
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He took to Twitter to express his happiness on joining the three-time IPL champions. "@mipaltan Great City Quality Franchise Flat wicket Don't have to play against @Jaspritbumrah93 Can't wait for @IPL 2020," Chris Lynn tweeted.
@mipaltan ✅
— Chris Lynn (@lynny50) December 19, 2019
Great City ✅
Quality Franchise ✅
Flat wicket ✅
Don’t have to play against @Jaspritbumrah93 ✅
Can’t wait for @IPL 2020
Bumrah, who, along with Lasith Malinga, has been the backbone of the Mumbai Indians pace attack over the years, welcomed the Aussie batsmen with a cheeky tweet. "Haha, welcome to the team! @lynny50 You're still going to have to face me in the nets," Jasprit Bumrah replied to Chris Lynn's tweet.
Haha, welcome to the team! @lynny50 You’re still going to have to face me in the nets. 😋
— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) December 19, 2019
The wiry slinger, who has been out with a stress fracture of the back, is expected to be available for the New Zealand tour next year, and has been bowling full steam in the nets.
Mumbai Indians filled up the only other overseas player slot with another Australian—pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile—whom they bought for Rs 8 crore.
