Ever since Kiwi speedster Trent Boult became a part of the Mumbai Indians family, the Paltan has been waiting with bated breath to see him bowl alongside Yorker King Jasprit Bumrah. With the Dream11 IPL a few days away, this dream, which looked far-fetched due to the repeated delays because of the pandemic, is simply a few days away now.

As we wait to see Boult in Blue & Gold, he spoke to MITV about his time with the team so far, the playing conditions in the UAE and training under the scorching sun.

The biggest challenge

Coming from a country where it is still wintering with temperatures hovering around 8-10 degrees Celsius, the toughest hurdle to cross is the weather in Abu Dhabi. Playing under these extreme conditions is no joke and Boult has acknowledged and addressed the same.

“The biggest challenge so far has been trying to prepare to come to 45 degrees in the middle of the desert. I come from a very small country, New Zealand which is about 7 or 8 degrees at the moment and the middle of winter.”

Joining Mumbai Indians

Previously, this left-arm bowler had also played for Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad before being picked up by the Mumbai Indians in the auction in December 2019. “I played for a couple of other franchises but I’m very excited to be a part of this Mumbai family.”

Boult speaks about playing for the team that he, in his own words, has always found “intimidating”. “Speaking from experience, I have played against Mumbai a few times and their intimidation and that big challenge that you face when you come up against this side has always been very intimidating.”

He further added, “So, it’s going to be nice to be on the other end of it and be part of such a cool group.”

The UAE conditions

Just three venues and with slower wickets, the BlackCaps bowler will count on his experience of having played in this country before to give him the edge. “Played a little bit of cricket here, I’m aware conditions can change quite drastically depending on the time of the year, etc,” he said.

Boult added, “I’m hoping for good wickets, really and if good wickets are on the table then it’s about being clear with what we’re trying to do as a bowling team. If we’re clear and put the ball where we want to, I think we’ve got the skills to be able to outperform any opposition.”

Being a part of MI’s bowling attack

The Mumbai Indians’ bowling department is fortunate enough to be peppered with players who have played for their international teams around the world. Boult seems to be raring to go alongside these men in Blue & Gold too. “I think I’m very excited to be part of their bowling pack,” he said.

Talking about the fellow bowlers, Boult expressed, “There’s a lot of experience there and diversity, I suppose. There’s a group of players that have performed around the world. Whoever that final few is that does play, I’m sure we’ll all back each other to do the job, it’s going to be exciting. It’s a big strength of the MI family, I think.”

Can’t wait to see him mark his run-up and rip through the batting line-up with his thunder-bolt attack.