Mumbaiindians.com gets in talks with the young & talented leg spinner from Karnataka, Shreyas Gopal. This year, marks Shreyas’ breakthrough playing against the big guns of cricket. The leg break bowler is all geared up to take on KKR after a losing start to the IPL and also talks about Bhajji’s brilliant innings in the IPL opening game against Rising Pune Supergiants.

Excerpts:

Shreyas, the team is not off to a good start, but we saw a brilliant innings from Bhajji, what did you like about that innings?

It’s not the first time that he’s played like this. He’s played crucial innings on numerous occasions before for Mumbai Indians and his country. This one was a champion innings to be honest, especially in that situation where we lost the top order; he gave us something to fight for. I know we lost the game but without that innings, I don’t think we had any chance and he gave us that chance in the game. He played a beautiful innings and it came at a very crucial time.

A big record that was set that day was Pollard playing his 300th T20 match, becoming the first player to do so. How important is he in the team, from your point of view?

His stats definitely speak for him. To be honest, I’m very happy that I’m not bowling to him (smiles)! Polly is a champion cricketer & to be playing 300 T20 games, is definitely no joke and to carry it off so well & still have that desire to keep doing well. His cricket is very different from us all. Not many can bat, the way he does, the way he bowls, and he does it so well that it gives the team such a big morale and it’s such a boost for the team to have him in the team.

MI will be playing KKR next at Eden Gardens. What’s your plan for that game?

Well, we had a disappointing start to be honest but winning & losing are part of the game. We’re looking forward to taking this up as a challenge and will try to bounce back by putting our plans in place & executing them to the best of our ability.