Preparations are in full swing as the Mumbai Indians gear up for their final game at Chennai’s M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. Playing against PBKS, a team that boasts of a heavy batting line up, the Men in Blue and Gold are sure to have a trick or two up their sleeve to contain their runs.

Ahead of this encounter, MI pacer Trent Boult addressed the media, answering questions about plans for the PKBS game, bowling in Chennai and more.

Below are some excerpts from the press conference:

Do you think the MI middle order’s current form is putting extra pressure on the bowlers?

Trent: “I’m sure the middle order is probably not too pleased with how things have been going so far but I know the guys are hungry and desperate to put in a good performance in the last game here in Chennai tomorrow afternoon. The idea is that we’d obviously like a few more runs on the board but it’s one of the strengths of the side to really fight till the end and the bowlers here, we’ve managed to do that. So should be an exciting occasion tomorrow afternoon and hopefully, we can get some runs on the board.”

What role does the dew play? Given the T20I World Cup is coming up, dew ought to be a talking factor. Do you think two dry balls should be allowed instead of one in a T20 game?

Trent: “Yeah, I think it’s definitely tricky when the ball gets wet like that. We haven’t experienced it too much here in Chennai so far. The other night was probably the most it’s been but for a foreign player coming to this country, yes it’s definitely different from what we used to bowl back in New Zealand. It is a part and parcel of the game here and as bowlers, you need to find a way to be able to execute some sort of deliveries. It’s a good challenge.”

“I don’t really have an opinion on rules as such on what could be changed. But yeah, ideally I just want to see there kind of being an even battle between bat and ball. When the ball becomes wet like that, it becomes pretty tricky and a few runs could be scored, that’s for sure.”

Dawid Malan might play against MI. Thought on him and plans against him?

Trent: “Yeah, I’ve only played him a couple of times. The last time I played him, I reckon he got a hundred as well in Napier in New Zealand. So, obviously a very dangerous player. Yeah, hard to tell what the make up of the Kings’ side would be, but I think the one thing we have in our favour is the experience of playing four games on this surface already and understanding that it is quite a tricky surface. So, I’m sure the bowling group will talk in-depth about potentially facing him and understand this very good challenge.”

After all these years of top-level cricket, are you still learning something after bowling in Chennai for a long period? Are there any adjustments you had to make?

Trent: “Yeah from a personal point of view, I wouldn’t say the wicket suits my game too well. Obviously, I like to swing the ball around and try to exploit a bit of movement in the air. But yeah, the surface here and the conditions probably haven’t allowed that. That’s the beauty of coming to this part of the world is the challenge that comes with having to adapt on certain wickets and I am enjoying the challenge. It’s absolutely great fun bowling with Bumrah and seeing how he operates. But, yeah, it’s a great challenge. I’m just looking to improve my game, adapt to the conditions and enjoy some success along the way.”

How do you rate the Punjab Kings’ batting order?

Trent: “Yeah, they’re incredibly dangerous. I’ve bowled to KL (Rahul) a few times and I think he’s one of the classiest batsmen in the world when he gets going. So, 100% we have to be on our game as a bowling unit. Chris Gayle, the Universe Boss, a very experienced player. Destructive, as you all know. So, it’s going to be a great challenge. Obviously, they’ve come off a defeat recently here and they’ll look to come out of it, but hopefully we can put up a good performance.”

How easy or tough is it for the middle order to get back into the groove after a performance like this?

Trent: “Yeah, I think it’s pretty hard for me to talk from a batting point of view but, they obviously have been a key ingredient in the Mumbai Indians team, that middle order power. And yeah, things probably haven’t gone as planned as yet. We’re going to appreciate that. It’s a very hard wicket to go out there and try to hit boundaries from ball one. So, I’m sure they’re speaking about giving themselves an extra ball or two before they try to go big. But yeah, hopefully, we can take advantage of the good starts that we get in the powerplay and post a big total.”

How do you so easily bowl yorkers at the death and pick wickets in your first over?

Trent: “I think the last year, my first year with Mumbai Indians, I really enjoyed it, I suppose, the clarity on this is my role in the side, like try and it’s to try to take wickets up at the top and bowl one or two overs of death and stuff at the end. So, I was really clear on my role in terms of my game. I know what my strengths are and how I want to operate.”

“I really enjoyed last year and the challenge coming here this year is obviously, having to adapt to certain wickets and certain scenarios of the game but I’ve touched on this in a couple of press conferences before that the likes of having Jasprit Bumrah on the other end, him applying so much pressure definitely makes my job so much easier. I’m enjoying bowling with him.”

How does it feel to have the best economy rate in a game but not pick a single wicket, like it happened in the last game for you with DC?

Trent: “I don’t really mind if I go wicketless. Obviously, I just like to win the match. But, it was more disappointing to be on the wrong side of the result. But, yeah sometimes, that’s the case with T20 cricket. It can be your day, or simply cannot. So, I would like to enjoy some wickets coming up in the next few games.”

Your thoughts on Rohit’s captaincy. Can you also share some things he’s suggested that have worked for you?

Trent: “I’ve only had one season of experience with Rohit being the captain. But, you see that he’s been really successful. 5 championships under his name. With that comes a lot of experience and that’s probably the best thing. He’s pretty approachable in terms of being very easy to talk to. And he backs all the players to execute the skills that we’ve been talking about. So, he’s a very positive guy and I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to play under his captaincy.”

Are you looking forward to bowling in the other wickets?

Trent: “Yeah, definitely. It’s pretty tough to watch the games being played at Wankhede, where the ball’s been really moving around and swinging around a bit. But, that’s the beauty of this tournament, like I touched on before. I can say that I’ve been really fortunate to be playing in the current state and I look forward to moving to Delhi. I’ve played a lot of cricket there as well. I think I understand the wicket, but it could be different to what I’m expecting. But, it’s gonna be a good challenge. Hoping the ball would swing around a little for me and I can enjoy some success at the top of the powerplay there.”