South African Levi joins Mumbai Indians

South African T20 sensation Richard Levi was signed by Mumbai Indians as a replacement for former Australian batsman Andrew Symonds, for the fifth edition of Indian Premier League 2012.

The 24-year-old powerful opener, 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 play alongside captain Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh, Levi said, "I am honoured to have Mumbai Indians management interested in my services. I have heard from friends around that Mumbai Indians is like an extended family where the team shares a great bond. Beyond that, 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.

After Levi smashed his way into the record books scoring a 51-ball 117 against New Zealand [ Images ] last Sunday, Pune Warriors were tipped as favourites to acquire his services after the 24-year-old was ignored by the franchises at the mini-auction held on February 4.

Levi's base price was $50,000.

While it seemed that Pune would avail his services, Symonds's retirement suddenly brought Mumbai Indians into the picture.