Nine matches down, five more to go in the league stage for MI in IPL 2021. The team next plays RCB in Dubai. Currently, they stand at the sixth position in the points table and a win can potentially put them back in the top four.

Ahead of the major clash, MI’s Director of Cricket, Zaheer Khan, addressed the media and answered some questions. Below are some excerpts from the same.

On Hardik Pandya’s workload management and availability for RCB game

“Well, we have a practice session lined up today. After we finish the press conference, we’re going to go there and we’re going to take an informed call on it. He has started practicing, that’s what I can share with you right now. We are hopeful he will be fit and available. That’s what we’re hoping for.”

What are the identified problem areas from the two matches the team has lost?

“As you know, IPL is a very highly competitive tournament. So the teams are always trying to one up you. They’re getting smart in their preparation and these days, every team is analysing every other team and we have to stay on top. So, that’s one of the main things. The focus has always been on us.”

“This team has always been so successful because this team has been focussing on our processes, strengths and our players who are taking the field. And these are the players who got us our championships. So we have that kind of approach. We have had quite a lot of good conversations around those things. Looking forward to those matches. As you know in the IPL when it comes to the backend of the tournament, the pressure is high. This team certainly knows how to perform under pressure.”

Are you satisfied with the MI team’s combination in the last two games?

“We take all calls in conjunction with the core group and the people involved. Sometimes you have to make certain calls because of injury concerns as well. So that was the approach. I don’t think we should be saying this is an ideal combination.”

“This squad, this team, is functioning on that line. Whoever makes it to the team has the capability of winning games of cricket for you. That’s what we encourage each and every individual to do. So we look at it as, you know, if someone is not available and playing, the other guy has the opportunity of going out there, performing, and winning games for you.”

Any concerns with the form of the middle overs? 

“When you look at the scorecard you will say yes there is a concern. But I don’t see it as a concern, it’s just about finding the rhythm. You have seen in this format and in this tournament particularly that once you get on a roll you can win a couple of games together. Like I said this team has been so successful because of certain processes.”

“In terms of form, it's always just one innings away, be it a batter or a bowler and for you to win the game of cricket everything has to come together. So far, we have been getting good starts where we have been having those platforms but we have not been able to close those situations. So, the focus will be on that.”

“Going forward it's just about everything coming together and you just need that one game and that one game I am certain has to be the next game because we are getting to the business end of the tournament where every game is going to matter and every game is going to bring in more pressure.”

"Withsuch a successful background to look at and such experienced players to fall back on, we are looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity we have right now going forward to make history. That’s how the whole squad is looking at things. It’s an opportunity in front of them to go for glory. We all know how important this season is and everyone is looking at the season in that light. It's just a matter of time before we turn things around and get on a winning role.”

Do you think Pollard is asked to do too much in the middle overs? 

“Well, he is happy to do too much. He is that kind of a player, he wants to take more responsibility and you know the kind of power which he brings in matches is very important. It is a game changing ability which he has. So yes, he has been asked to do too much because of how the games have gone and I don’t want to really get into how the games have gone. It’s about looking ahead. It's about what’s next for us.”

“Like I am saying you know this format and how teams are preparing and how you get in a situation and how we have to adapt in different conditions. So that is something you don’t have any control over. We’ve got to accept what has happened in the first couple of games and then look ahead. We still have five more games to go and the focus is on those games and how we can bring out the best in us to get on that winning role which is very crucial for us at this moment in the tournament.”

We sure hope for a turnaround in the coming game. This is going to be pivotal for the team in the current season. Here’s hoping the Men in Blue and Gold go well for the rest of IPL 2021.