IPL 2021: Was a precautionary move to rest Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya against CSK, says Trent Boult

Mumbai Indians (MI) pacer Trent Boult has confirmed that the decision to rest skipper Rohit Sharma and all-rounder Hardik Pandya for the IPL 2021 league encounter against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was a precautionary move. The defending champions suffered a defeat against CSK by a margin of 20 runs, with the absence of the duo certainly having an impact on proceedings. MI will be seen taking on KKR in their next league encounter of IPL 2021, an opponent they’ve enjoyed a 22-6 record against overall.

“They’re both recovering very well”

“They’re both recovering very well. In terms of the selection for the next game, I’m not too sure what is going on there, but I know day by day they’re improving. It was more of a precaution for them to have that extra bit of rest the other night against CSK. Two vital players for MI XI’s line-up and we’re desperate to get them back. So, fingers crossed, they’re good and raring to go in the next couple of games. It’s more about starting afresh every game. Such a big game of the tournament, obviously, over halfway through the games are so important now. There’s history, it’s nice to have previous results against them but they’re a quality side, they looked good the other night and we won’t be treating them lightly,” said Boult as quoted by MI’s official website.

The pacer admitted that it was tough for him to get back into a rhythm following a break. However, he is looking at the second half of IPL 2021 as an opportunity to prepare for the T20 World Cup which will be held in the UAE as well.

“Boys are very keen to push hard for the remaining half of the tournament”

“I think it is a bit of a challenge. Coming from a tour in New Zealand to a very vast change in conditions, the heat and the pressure that comes with the IPL, it’s challenging, but I enjoy it. The other night it was three months of bowling to be honest and yes, it’s just what comes with the tournament, you have to be prepared and raring to go. Not much to say, just that the boys are very keen to push hard for the remaining half of the tournament and see if we can push for the big playoffs,” said Boult.

“Yeah, 100%. This is a good buildup to a tournament like that. The focus is surely on what’s here the next couple of weeks but yeah, in terms of preparation it’s pretty good. I’ve had a little bit of experience in the UAE and the conditions can change very quickly. Having to deal with the heat and humidity is a bit of a challenge at this stage, but it’s going to be interesting to see how the conditions move over in the next 10 or so weeks,” he added.

Boult admitted that the recent performance of Varun Chakravarthy was something the MI batsmen will be keeping a close eye on.

“I think he’s a quality bowler. I hope I don’t have to face him being No. 11, but the guys have had enough experience with him, and obviously there’s a lot of research and planning that goes into facing the quality bowlers that KKR have, but I think, more importantly, it’s about the very need for Mumbai to put up a good performance, the batters need to start ahead and stack up a good score. It should be a great occasion and we’re looking forward to getting out there,” he concluded.