On the eve of the game against Gujarat Lions, it was local boy Parthiv Patel who faced the media at the usual pre-game press conference. The wicket-keeper-batsman has been integral to MI’s success so far, playing a key role with both the bat, and the gloves.

First up, Parthiv was asked about the 4-day break before the team’s next game tomorrow, “We needed that break, we’ve played a few back-to-back games and I think that break was a welcome one, especially when the tournament is almost half done. We took an off for a couple of days and obviously, there were a few sponsor commitments. We then practiced and returned to the playing mode after two days off. In a longer tournament like this, the break is always welcome.”

What followed next was a question on Lasith Malinga’s form and fitness, to which Parthiv responded, “He obviously was coming off an injury that can happen to any player. He’s a proven match-winner, whether it’s in the IPL or international cricket. I don’t think there’s any worry, but we’ve got good options with us and our bowling attack is not something which is decided upon a wicket as well, because we’ve got a good all-round attack with seamers and off-spinners and a left-arm spinner and with probably the six bowling options, anyone can bowl four overs at any given time. So yeah, form will be here and there and it won’t make so much of a difference. I’m sure he’ll comeback stronger.”

The older of the two Pandya brothers, Krunal, unfortunately missed out on the previous game against Rising Pune Supergiant owing to an injury. Parthiv responded to queries about his fitness, “Yeah, Krunal (Pandya) wasn’t available for the last game. A clearer picture would be given by the management, but yes, he has been practicing.”

Parthiv was then asked if there was any team in particular MI was concerned about, “Honestly, throughout the tournament, we’re not worried about what the opposition is throwing at us. We’ve always made our plans and try and execute what them to the best of our abilities. Every opponent in the IPL can beat any team on a given day but I think it is very important to focus on what we can achieve rather than what’s coming at us. We’ll have our plans and try and focus on them.”

On a personal note, Parthiv has been opening the batting well scoring 169 runs, and forming a good understanding with fellow wicket-keeper-batsman Jos Buttler. The diminutive opener was asked about his personal contribution to the side, “Batting wise, quite happy with the way I’m hitting the ball. The only thing you can do is keep doing what you’re doing and try and stay longer and get a bigger innings.”

When it came to training in Rajkot and away from the sheer humidity back in Mumbai, Parthiv seemed pleased with how things were going, “Last evening was really good, and especially coming out of Mumbai and the humidity over there. I know the mornings and afternoons are really hot here, but when we practiced yesterday it was quite good, especially with the stadium that they’ve built, the ventilation is quite good. We felt good!”

With a new coach at the helm, the experienced batsman was asked for his views on Mahela Jayawardene’s coaching methods and his impact so far, “He’s fit in really well! He’s someone who’s a vastly experienced player who’s playing at the moment in different countries as a T20 player, so he understands how difficult this T20 format can be but the calmness which he has brought to the dressing room, you can see it on the ground as well. We’re enjoying ourselves and that’s very important. To make important decisions, you’ve got to be calm and that’s the reason why I think we’re sitting pretty at this point of time.”

Next, Parthiv was asked about what was needed at this stage of the campaign and there was only one thing on his mind, “This tournament is all about momentum. We’ve won 6 games together. So, all the teams I’m sure are looking for a good run of three-four victories and the teams which are on the top would like to stay on the top and make sure they finish first or second so that they have an extra game coming in the play-offs and more than that I think, playing so many games we would take one game at a time and not worry about the end result but momentum is something all teams look for in this tournament.”

Finally, Jasprit Bumrah is having yet another excellent season with his miserly bowling as well 9 wickets to his credit. Originally from Gujarat, inevitably a question popped up about the local boy, “You can see how a good a bowler he (Bumrah) is by the way he’s been bowling. I think he’s improving by the year. He’s got a lot of confidence because he’s been playing well for India and Mumbai Indians. As Gujarat’s state captain and as an experienced player, it feels good to see a young player from Gujarat doing well and he’s also almost India’s no. 1 fast bowler in the shortest format he’s also MI’s go-to bowler every time we need a wicket. It feels good to see a player from our state do well.”

Parthiv Patel and Mumbai Indians ready their kits to take on Gujarat Lions on Saturday, 29th April at the Saurashtra Cricket Association in Rajkot.