Zaheer Khan who is the Director of Cricket Operations for Mumbai Indians interacted with the fans in a Question and Answer session on MI’s Twitter account on Tuesday. He not only answered all questions but he also updated the supporters about the franchise’s preparations for the upcoming IPL to the difference in conditions as the IPL was shifted from India to UAE and the fact that no fans will be present to witness the matches.
He further added that he admired Rohit Sharma’s captaincy besides stressing on the fact that he was a serious thinker of the game. Zaheer Khan was also excited about Trent Boult‘s prospects after he joined the MI squad and called him a world-class bowler. Zaheer Khan played all formats till 2014 from 2000 and is the second most successful Indian pacer in Tests besides being the 4th highest wicket-taker in ODIs for India.
Trent Boult. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Zaheer Khan’s Opinion On Venue Change
The squad was decided according to home conditions in India before the venue was shifted to UAE due to COVID-19.
“Generally, the preference is given to the home conditions and the squads are selected accordingly. But the squads are usually well rounded. So is the case with our squad. The MI squad is picked based on covering all the angles and the requirements of any given conditions. Mind you, we do play away games when we are back home. So, yes, we will have to adapt to the conditions here and adapt quickly but we do have a well-rounded squad.”
Zaheer Khan’s Opinion On Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma who is also vice-captain captains Mumbai Indian’s franchise since 2011.
“Well, the list is very long but to me what stands out is the quality that he has of having the relaxed aura around him and yet he is a very intense thinker and a serious thinker of the game. That shows when he makes those tactical calls on the field in pressure situations of the match and his teammates believe in him. So I think, that quality I will put right up to bring out the best in every one of his teammates.”
Zaheer Khan Image Courtesy: Twitter
Zaheer Khan’s View On Precautions
Various protocols are in place as players will play in biosecurity bubbles due to prevent the spreading of the virus.
“It is not going to be very difficult but different for sure. I think the routines are going to change with so many precautions the players will have to take, but it’s just a matter of time that they get used to it. Being a professional cricketer, you have to understand and accept these challenges. I think this is the demand of the time, the demand of the new normal that we will have to get used to and deliver it on the field.”
Zaheer Khan’s Views About Trent Boult’s Addition
Trent Boult is a left-arm pacer who played for Delhi Capitals in 2018 and 2019 but was traded in MI team in 2020.
“The Paltans should be excited that Boult is going to be a part of MI. He’s a fantastic bowler, world-class bowler, has got a terrific record. So we are all looking forward to him joining the squad as soon as possible and giving us those early breakthroughs which will set the tone for us.”
MI Family is looking forward to defending their title which they won defeating CSK by one run in final.
” The preparations are going very nicely. Everyone is very excited. Every member of the MI Family is looking forward to going out there and defending the title. We all are very eagerly waiting for that first match. Right now all the routines are pretty much getting fine-tuned. So looking forward to that first game and the season.”
Zaheer Khan’s Views Of Playing Without Supporters
To prevent the spreading of the virus, no fans will be allowed in the stadiums.
“The experience this time is going to be different and yes, we will be missing our Paltan but we know our Paltan is supporting us through and through. So thank you for all the support which you have been giving us over the years.”
Zaheer Khan’s Views As MI Performed Poorly In 2014 IPL In UAE
In 2014 IPL was jointly hosted by India and UAE due to elections. While the first half was played in UAE, the later half was played in India and MI did not perform well.
“Well, thank you for reminding us about the last season which we played here and how it went. Yes, it wasn’t an easy one and we had a few losses here in UAE. But we’ve accepted this as a challenge and for any team, challenges are good. This team is surely capable enough to deliver. So, we are looking forward to this challenge and changing this record for sure.”
Zaheer Khan Want To Bowl In Nets
Zaheer Khan would bowl in the nets if only the fans appreciate that in practice sessions.
“Well Paltan, only on demand. So if you guys want to see me bowl in the nets in practices, then give us a loud cheer, every time MI is playing out there on the field and when we’re practising and depending on how loud the roar is, I will come in the nets and bowl for you guys.”
Zaheer Khan Want To Bowl With Old Ball
“Zaheer, the old ball bowler and the reason is very simple. The new ball doesn’t last for that long. So you know, you’ve to live with that old ball most of the time, so I think Zaheer, the old ball bowler.”
Zaheer Khan’s Views On New Talent In MI
MI continues to support new faces which is evident by the signings of Anukul Roy, Ishan Kishan and Anmolpreet Singh, Rahul Chahar to name a few.
“We’re keeping up with the tradition of supporting young, new talents and nurturing them. So, this year is no different. We do have some young new faces in our camp. Keep an eye and look out for them. They are just waiting for an opportunity to go out there and perform.”
Zaheer Khan’s Views On Funniest Person In MI
Ishan Kishan is always playing pranks and is extremely energetic in the dressing room.
“The funniest player in MI Paltan has to be Ishan Kishan. I think he’s always up to mischiefs and playing pranks and has got this abundance of energy and is very chirpy, so good to have a character like him around in the dressing room all the time. So Ishan is right up there.”
Rohit Sharma Photo Credit: IPL/BCCI.
Mumbai Indians have a balanced side with the likes of Chris Lynn, Jasprit Bumrah, Surya Kumar Yadav, Krunal Pandya, Lasith Malinga, Hardik Pandya, Saurabh Tiwary, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jayant Yadav, Quinton De Kock, Rahul Chahar and Ishan Kishan to name a few.
