The Mumbai Indians started the second leg of IPL 2021 in UAE with a 20-run defeat against CSK, the very team against whom they had ended their first leg of the campaign back in Delhi. Sitting at the fourth position with 8 points, the team has a task at hand - to ensure to make the cut to the playoffs.

They will face KKR next, an opponent they’ve enjoyed a 22-6 record against overall. Ahead of the important encounter, pacer Trent Boult spoke to the media. Here are the questions he answered for the team:

MI have numbers advantage against KKR. Is this a psychological advantage for MI?

“It’s more about starting afresh every game. Such a big game of the tournament, obviously, over halfway through the games are so important now. There’s history, it’s nice to have previous results against them but they’re a quality side, they looked good the other night and we won’t be treating them lightly.”

Is Varun Chakravarthy’s bowling a concern for MI?

“I think he’s a quality bowler. I hope I don’t have to face him being No. 11, but the guys have had enough experience with him, and obviously there’s a lot of research and planning that goes into facing the quality bowlers that KKR have, but I think, more importantly, it’s about the very need for Mumbai to put up a good performance, the batters need to start ahead and stack up a good score. It should be a great occasion and we’re looking forward to getting out there.”

On Rohit and Hardik’s status

“They’re both recovering very well. In terms of the selection for the next game, I’m not too sure what is going on there, but I know day by day they’re improving. It was more of a precaution for them to have that extra bit of rest the other night against CSK. Two vital players for MI XI’s line-up and we’re desperate to get them back. So, fingers crossed, they’re good and raring to go in the next couple of games.”

Is it difficult to get back to IPL and find rhythm after a break?

“I think it is a bit of a challenge. Coming from a tour in New Zealand to a very vast change in conditions, the heat and the pressure that comes with the IPL, it’s challenging, but I enjoy it. The other night it was three months of bowling to be honest and yes, it’s just what comes with the tournament, you have to be prepared and raring to go. Not much to say, just that the boys are very keen to push hard for the remaining half of the tournament and see if we can push for the big playoffs.”

Do you look at IPL as being a preparation for the T20 World Cup?

“Yeah, 100%. This is a good buildup to a tournament like that. The focus is surely on what’s here the next couple of weeks but yeah, in terms of preparation it’s pretty good. I’ve had a little bit of experience in the UAE and the conditions can change very quickly. Having to deal with the heat and humidity is a bit of a challenge at this stage, but it’s going to be interesting to see how the conditions move over in the next 10 or so weeks.”

How much does heat and humidity affect bowlers?

“Generally, a little bit of humidity helps the ball move around in the air. With humidity comes due and the challenges of being able to hold on to the ball in the death overs when you’re trying to bowl yorkers. So there are a lot of aspects and factors that come into it. But personally, I feel experienced enough to understand how the conditions move over here. I’d love to see the ball swinging around a little bit more, carrying through like it does, but it’s just a challenge that I try to embrace as much as I can in these tournaments.”

Was bringing in a spinner for Jadeja instead of you or Bumrah a bad move?

“I’m not too sure. I think Polly kept things really well. It’s the nature of the game and the format that the partnerships are built and platforms are set. I thought they held on nicely to get into a position to really counter attack in the end. Yeah it was disappointing to give them the momentum going in to the halfway mark but yeah, it’s something we missed and we look to tighten up and look to embrace the challenge over the next couple of games.”

Lasith Malinga’s influence on MI dressing room

“I didn’t get the opportunity to play with Lasith, but not just with MI, but for T20 cricket around the world, he’s one of the most popular faces and recognisable actions around. He’s developed the game and inspired a lot of people to take it up. I think he had serious ability and was amazing with the ball in his hands. Obviously sad for that era to come to an end but he’s definitely inspired a lot of people around the world with what he’s done.”

How much did MI miss Rohit Sharma in the game against CSK?

“Yea he was surely missed. He is a powerhouse for us with the bat at the top of the innings. He is right up there in terms of experience and runs achieved in this format. It was a big hole but I think it was a good decision to make sure that he is 100% right with the amount of cricket coming up. Like I said earlier, he’s training very nicely and if he is in the eleven tomorrow it will be brilliant but yes we want to make sure he is 100 % correct and feeling good before he comes back.”

How challenging is it to bowl on the Abu Dhabi track?

“The condition probably influences the ball, mostly to be honest. I think the conditions on the other night were nice and humid and it was quite a fresh wicket with more grass than what we have seen in Dubai. There are a lot of challenges that come with it, how full you can bowl and who you are bowling to and obviously how precisely the batsmen can come at you. For me I am very clear on what my role is in this Mumbai side, try to be aggressive and swing the ball and hopefully help the team to have a good start with the couple of wickets. That’s my role at the moment and I am really enjoying it at the moment.”

Is it for the IPL that Indian fast bowlers are coming out well?

“Yess 100%. There are a lot of exciting talents coming through with the ball, especially in the red ball game. Playing against them in the World Test Championship final and playing against them at home. The quality of fast bowlers that they have, they can perform at home and now overseas is amazing and I think it’s due to boys access in last coming season that inspired guys to take up fast bowling and really wanted to take it on. It is looking positive for Indian cricket and I am sure there are many more exciting faces to watch in the next few years.”

Do you think the inclusion of Hardil Pandya would be an extra advantage if he bowls?

“When Hardik is fully fit, he can contribute with both bat and bowl and he is a big player for any side. I know he is working hard to get himself fit and we’re desperate to have him back. Fingers crossed that it is not too far away.”

Comments on Adam Milne?

“Obviously any bowler who can hit the numbers at 150 mark is a big asset for any side. Personally, I had a lot to do with Milne. I have seen him for 9 years and it is just great to watch him be on the park and delivering and doing well. He was part of the Hundred recently in England and did extremely well there.”

“This format is perfectly suited to him. I know that he works extremely hard to make sure that his body is in really good shape and can withstand what’s needed I suppose, at this level and intensity. It’s great to see him doing really well. Hopefully he plays a big part in the coming two weeks.”

MI will take on KKR at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Thursday. We look forward to what more Boult has to offer the next matchday.