MI New York's Tajinder Dhillon Shines After Bold Draft Gamble: Explosive Hitting Overshadows Pooran's Century

Tajinder Singh Dhillon's explosive innings has finally put him in the spotlight.

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

Leading up to the MLC domestic draft this year, Tajinder Singh Dhillon, 33, faced a critical career decision. After two seasons with the San Francisco Unicorns, where he saw limited action, he could have remained a fringe player. Alternatively, he could take a leap of faith, seeking a new team willing to invest in his batting ability and provide opportunities for him to shine.

This decision wasn't just about cricket; it was about his family's future. Dhillon could have opted for the security of a $55,000 retainer with the Unicorns, remaining on the sidelines. Or, he could chase the dream that brought him to America: a chance to perform under the bright lights, a stage he had glimpsed during his time in the IPL, where he spent two seasons on the bench.

However, the Rajasthan native wasn't content with being a background figure. Having worked his way up through the ranks of Indian domestic cricket, Dhillon was unwilling to sacrifice his ambition for comfort. He entered the domestic draft, fully aware that he might go unsold and face financial instability in a country where cricket income outside of the MLC is not guaranteed.

When Tajinder became available, MI New York's management jumped at the chance to bring him back. He had previously been part of their parent franchise, the Mumbai Indians, in the 2019 IPL, and MINY narrowly missed out on securing him in the 2023 MLC draft. He had the backing of the team management from the beginning of the season, showing promise in short bursts, but a defining innings had eluded him.

Promoted to number 4 for the first time in his MLC stint against the Orcas, Tajinder seized the opportunity. After a cautious start, scoring 5 off 9 balls, he unleashed a barrage of powerful hitting, decimating the Orcas' bowling attack. He smashed 6 sixes in 7 balls, scoring 95 runs off 35 deliveries.

His explosive hitting overshadowed Nicholas Pooran's magnificent century, despite Pooran's unbeaten hundred coming at a strike rate of 180. Tajinder's innings, with a strike rate of 271, stole the show during their 158-run partnership.

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 performance against Raza, whom he hit for three consecutive sixes. One was a flick over deep midwicket, another a graceful lift over extra cover, and the last a powerful hit over the bowler's head. Tajinder is among the few domestic players capable of hitting sixes off the back foot against spin.

Tajinder's story is one of perseverance and belated recognition. He risked being sidelined, but finally had his moment to shine, validating his belief in himself before the draft.