Mumbai Indians, the Champions League 2011 champions, today signed T20 sensation Richard Levi as a replacement of former Australian batsman Andrew Symonds, for the fifth edition of Indian Premier League 2012.

Mumbai Indians sign Richard Levi

The 24-year-old powerful opener Richard Levi, who blasted himself into the record books with the fastest T20 international century last weekend– breaking previous records of Chris Gayle and Brendon McCullum, will play in IPL for the first time donning MI’s colour.

Expressing eagerness to join the ranks of Captain Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh, Levi said, “I am honoured to have Mumbai Indians management interest in my services. I have heard from friends around that Mumbai Indians is like an extended family where team shares a great bond and entrust upon youngsters. Beyond, Sachin Tendulkar has been my childhood hero and it would be exciting to share the dressing room with him.”

Richard Levi will be available full season for Mumbai Indians.

Commenting on Richard’s inclusion in the team, Mumbai Indians spokesperson said, “Richard is the perfect fits for Mumbai Indians current requirement. Post Andrew Symonds’s retirement announcement, we were on a lookout for an explosive opening batsman and Richard’s timing for his massive unbeaten 117 was so perfect to draw our attention.”

About Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians is the Mumbai-based IPL franchise owned by IndiaWin Sports Pvt. Ltd, a group company of Reliance Industries Ltd. Mumbai Indians, led by Sachin Tendulkar, was the winner of CLT20 2011 and was the finalist, having registered the most numbers of wins in Season III of the IPL. Backed by a potent combination of Indian and International stars, the Mumbai Indians includes stars like Harbhajan Singh, Lasith Malinga, Kieron Pollard, Rohit Sharma and Munaf Patel. In keeping with its philosophy of encouraging talent and youth, the team also includes Ambati Rayudu, T Suman, Dhawal Kulkarni, Pawan Suyal, Abu Nechim and a host of other budding, talented players. Mumbai Indians has been the most followed team in the IPL and enjoys a huge, global fan base.

Tags: Champions League 2011, Cricket, Indian Premier League 2012, IPL 2012, MI, Mumbai Indians, Richard Levi