MI New York's Tajinder Dhillon Shines: From IPL Benchwarmer to MLC Star

Tajinder Singh Dhillon's explosive innings has turned heads at MI New York.

Tajinder Singh Dhillon eclipsed Nicholas Pooran with his sensational hitting against Seattle Orcas © Sportzpics

Earlier this year, Tajinder Singh Dhillon, 33, faced a pivotal decision before the MLC domestic draft. He could have opted for a comfortable but unremarkable third season with the San Francisco Unicorns, where he had limited opportunities, facing only 21 balls in two years. Alternatively, he could seek a fresh start with a team willing to invest in his batting potential and provide him with the platform to showcase his talent.

This wasn't just a cricketing choice; it was a family decision for Tajinder, who had recently become a father. He could have accepted the security of a $55,000 retainer and remained on the periphery with the Unicorns. Or, he could gamble on pursuing the spotlight he had sought when he moved to America, a stage he briefly glimpsed in the IPL, warming the bench for two seasons with different teams.

However, the cricketer from Dholpur, Rajasthan, was not content with being a background player. Having worked his way up through the competitive Indian domestic system, Tajinder was unwilling to sacrifice his ambition for comfort. Therefore, he entered the domestic draft, fully aware of the risk of going unsold and facing financial uncertainty in a country where income for cricketers outside the MLC calendar is not always assured.

Once Tajinder became a free agent, the MI New York management quickly moved to bring him back into their setup. He had previously been acquired by their parent franchise, Mumbai Indians, in the 2019 IPL. MINY narrowly missed out on securing him in the 2023 MLC draft. He enjoyed the backing of the team management from the beginning of the season. Although his initial performances showed promise, he was yet to deliver a defining innings.

Promoted to number 4 for the first time in his brief MLC career against the Orcas on Friday, Tajinder seized the opportunity. After a cautious start, scoring 5 off 9 deliveries, he unleashed a barrage of shots against the Orcas bowlers. He struck six sixes in seven balls during his explosive innings of 95 off 35 deliveries.

His powerful hitting momentarily overshadowed Nicholas Pooran’s dominant performance in their remarkable 158-run partnership. Pooran, who remained unbeaten with a brilliant century at a strike rate of 180, saw his innings eclipsed by Tajinder's, who achieved a strike rate of 271.

Anil Kumble, former head coach at Punjab Kings, once noted, "Tajinder can hit a spinner for six off his very first ball - even if he's half asleep at 4 a.m." This ability was evident in his approach against Raza, whom he hit for three consecutive sixes. One was a whip over deep midwicket while off balance, the second a graceful lift over extra cover from the back foot, and the third a powerful hit over the bowler's head. Tajinder is one of the few domestic players capable of clearing the ropes off the back foot in the 'V' against spin bowling.

Tajinder's story is one of perseverance and belated recognition. After being in danger of being relegated to the sidelines, he finally had his moment in the sun, justifying the risk he took on himself before the draft.