Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians will be playing their first game in Dubai this season as they take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in their third encounter of Dream11 IPL on 28th September 2020.

Director of Cricket Operations Zaheer Khan addressed the media at the pre-match press conference. He spoke about MI’s journey in the tournament so far, the experience in the fast bowling department and the dew factor ahead of MI’s clash against RCB.

Can we expect Hardik to bowl in the coming games and if there are any fitness issues with him?

Zaheer: “Well, we’re all expecting him to bowl and he’s someone who changes that balance of any side when he’s bowling and he understands that. But we have to listen to his body and that is the conversation which we have been having. In consultation with the physios, we’re looking forward to him bowl. He’s very keen and wants to bowl. We just have to wait and be patient and listen to his body. At the end of the day for any bowler, injuries play a huge role. We are happy that he’s there as a batter and contributing with full fitness, so that is the exciting part and hopefully you will see him bowl soon.”

How much is the dew factor for MI fast bowlers under the lights? What is the key to bowling with the wet ball when you have sweaty palms in such conditions and how do you ensure a good grip on the ball?

Zaheer: “So far in the tournament, dew has not been that big a factor because the matches are starting early and that is something which has been working well for the bowlers. Few games you might see some dew coming in which bowlers are now used to. They are experienced enough to understand what are the things needed with the wet ball and how to manage that. We have seen some of the bowlers in practice also using some water on the seam so that the seam is slippery and adjust their lengths accordingly. So these are the usual practices which go on in preparations if you have to tackle situations.”

Do you think teams bowling first have been intentionally stretching the inning to exploit the dew advantage right from the start of the chase?

Zaheer: “Well, there are rules and regulations in place. So you can’t stretch the game beyond a certain point. Your captain will get fined, your team will get fined and eventually the captain may have to sit out a game. So I don’t see that as a tactic used by any of the teams. It’s just a part and parcel of the game and you have to deal with the natural obstacles which come in and dew is something which everyone has been pretty experienced in dealing with, so yes that is something which teams discuss with regards to dew, but I don’t see it as a huge factor in terms of deciding on tactics of delay.”

RCB had a poor outing last time around. You think their boys are vulnerable mentally and would you look at putting the pressure on them?

Zaheer: “Usually, we go on about doing our business. We prepare for every game. Yes, according to the opponents but also keeping our strengths in mind and that’s what we will be focusing on. We know in this format particularly, on any given day, any team can beat any team, and that’s something which you need to stay on top. So RCB, what kind of form they are coming in, we are not really looking at that. We are looking at going out there and playing our best cricket and focusing on our strengths. We know that if we stick to our strengths and live to our expectations which we have set on ourselves, we’ll do the job.”

As wickets slow down in the tournament, will we see the role of pacers changing?

Zaheer: “I think we have a very experienced bunch of pacers and that is something which is going to work in our advantage. Not only with the bowling unit but I see all the overseas bowlers interacting with the Indian young talent and that is very heartening to see. At MI, we always encourage that. All the players who have made that impact at the highest level are role models for the youngsters. When you have a young bunch of guys in the team, you see those interactions where the overseas and the Indian experienced players make that effort of having those communications and encouragement to the youth, it always goes a long way for us in the season and generally as a franchise moving forward. So that is something which we always see and which we always encourage.”

MI pace bowling department has looked good but the spinners have not been very impressive. Is it because of the grass layer on top or is it the form of spinners?

Zaheer: “I think it’s still early in the tournament. We have just played two games, things are coming together and that is something which we always look at. As a bowling unit, I think we have been doing a fantastic job. In this format, you have seen batters putting pressure on the bowlers and you have to stay on top of the game. So that is something, you know which we’ve seen from our spinners as well in the last game and something you will see going forward in the tournament. Rahul Chahar is a fantastic leg-spinner and has had a brilliant last season. He’s looking in good form. As far as the matches are concerned, it’s just a matter of time, things fall to place.”

The death bowling hasn’t been tested yet. Which bowler are you looking to bowl alongwith Bumrah in the end especially against RCB as both Kohli and ABD are batting in the middle-order?

Zaheer: “As I said, you have a lot of experience when you look at someone like Boult who has played so much of international cricket, has played in so many different conditions. That experience matters a lot. He’s a world-class bowler and so is Pattinson. And Bumrah has been phenomenal in death overs and carries that weight of the backend of the innings on his shoulders which always provides great strength to the bowling unit. As far as death bowling is concerned, I think we have pretty good plans in place with regards to different opposition and different batters. It’s about going out there and having that freedom of expression which we believe when you have to go with the game and you have to be proactive. About that, when you see the names which we are discussing, our job becomes easier because we know that these guys, they are experienced campaigners, can absorb the pressure in the middle and be proactive.”

James Pattinson has been brilliant in the first two matches. Is it a good headache to have when Nathan Coulter-Nile is fit?

Zaheer: “Absolutely, I think we have been having a lot of good headaches and that’s always a good sign when the team is doing well. We have a squad of 24 and you know anyone is ready to be a part of that playing XI and waiting for that opportunity. At the same time, enjoying each other’s success. The playing XI which is going out there and doing well for the team. So that is always heartening to see as a franchise. The kind of efforts they put in preparation is always very encouraging and inspiring. So yes, those headaches are always going to be there but as the management, you’re always happy to face these kinds of headaches.”