5- times IPL crown winners, Mumbai Indians, for the 9th consecutive time in the IPL, had a losing start. They were defeated in the first match by Virat Kohli’s RCB in a last-ball affair. The match was thoroughly remembered for a wonderful fifer by RCB’s newest addition, Harshal Patel.
While MI suffered their traditional First Match Loss, there are a few things this side needs to tweak in. Zaheer Khan, Director Of Cricket for MUMBAI Indians addresses a press conference, in which he was bombarded with numerous questions.
He was asked about the decision not to let Hardik Pandya bowl. He said, “Hardik, as a whole package, is always of great value. It was a workload-related thing in the previous game. He bowled nine overs in the England series. In consultation with the physio, we had to take that approach. There was a little bit of a shoulder concern but it is not worrisome. You will see him bowl very soon. The timeline you will have to ask the physio. In terms of Hardik the bowler coming in this tournament, we are confident that he will be chipping in with the ball in his hand as well.”
He was then asked about Quinton De Kock’s availability for the next match against Kolkata Knight Riders.”We will make the decision closer to the game.”
Questions were asked about Lynn getting replaced due to de Kock’s arrival.
“Lynn is a pro. You’ve seen his press conference and his dressing room chat as well. He is a good character to have around the dressing room, joking about everything. He was jokingly saying that “am I going to get the next game or no? As professional athletes you have to be prepared, you have to align yourself with how the team management is thinking. Communication is going to be the key. So on the communication part, we are going to be clear. When you’re part of a good team, a champion side, you have to wait for your opportunities and that’s something that the whole group is aware of.”
He reiterated the availability of youngsters in the set-up. He said, “We are very excited with Marco as well. When you see a youngster like Marco going out there and making an impact. We have all been there, in our first games, it is a big occasion. Now he has managed to relax because he made a good comeback in that game.”
Mumbai Indians take on their 2nd match against Kolkata Knight Riders on the 13th of April.
