Hardik Pandya's presence will certainly be a boost for the defending champions who take on a strong opposition in Royal Challengers Bangalore.
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Former Indian cricketer and defending champions Mumbai Indians’ (MI) Director of Cricket Zaheer Khan expressed his optimism over all-rounder Hardik Pandya being available for the upcoming IPL 2021 clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). MI are currently placed on the sixth position in the points table with a win capable of pushing them back into the top four. The clash against RCB assumes great importance and is expected to be an exciting one.
“He (Hardik Pandya) has started practicing, that’s what I can share with you right now. We are hopeful he will be fit and available. That’s what we’re hoping for,” said Zaheer as quoted by MI’s official website.
The former Indian cricketer further backed the players to make their presence felt in the upcoming encounters, despite suffering a defeat in the last two matches.
“As you know, IPL is a very highly competitive tournament. So the teams are always trying to one up you. They’re getting smart in their preparation and these days, every team is analysing every other team and we have to stay on top. So, that’s one of the main things. The focus has always been on us,” he said.
“This team has always been so successful because this team has been focussing on our processes, strengths and our players who are taking the field. And these are the players who got us our championships. So we have that kind of approach. We have had quite a lot of good conversations around those things. Looking forward to those matches. As you know in the IPL when it comes to the backend of the tournament, the pressure is high. This team certainly knows how to perform under pressure,” added Zaheer.
MI’s Director of Cricket refused to rule out changes in the lineup, going into the next few encounters.
“We take all calls in conjunction with the core group and the people involved. Sometimes you have to make certain calls because of injury concerns as well. So that was the approach. I don’t think we should be saying this is an ideal combination. This squad, this team, is functioning on that line. Whoever makes it to the team has the capability of winning games of cricket for you. That’s what we encourage each and every individual to do. So we look at it as, you know, if someone is not available and playing, the other guy has the opportunity of going out there, performing, and winning games for you.”
Zaheer believes that while the middle overs have been identified as an area of concern, its all about finding the rhythm.
“When you look at the scorecard you will say yes there is a concern. But I don’t see it as a concern, it’s just about finding the rhythm. You have seen in this format and in this tournament particularly that once you get on a roll you can win a couple of games together. Like I said this team has been so successful because of certain processes. In terms of form, it’s always just one innings away, be it a batter or a bowler and for you to win the game of cricket everything has to come together. So far, we have been getting good starts where we have been having those platforms but we have not been able to close those situations. So, the focus will be on that.”
