Pollard’s terrific form early in tournament is great sign for us: Zaheer Khan | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Pollard’s terrific form early in tournament is great sign for us: Zaheer Khan

New Delhi | ByPress Trust of India
Oct 02, 2020 08:18 PM IST

“It is great to have the big man in such form since tournament in Caribbean (CPL) and he is continuing with that form, which is very important and we are always banking on him,” Zaheer said in a flash interview posted on MI twitter handle.

Kieron Pollard’s blazing form at the onset of the Indian Premier League is a “great sign” for the Mumbai Indians as it has been the case over the years, says bowling mentor Zaheer Khan.

Dubai: Mumbai Indians batsman Kieron Pollard plays a shot during the Indian Premier League 2020 cricket match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, Monday, Sept. 28, 2020.(PTI)
Dubai: Mumbai Indians batsman Kieron Pollard plays a shot during the Indian Premier League 2020 cricket match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, Monday, Sept. 28, 2020.(PTI)

In his element in the last two games, Pollard smashed an unbeaten 60 off 24 balls against RCB before producing an unbeaten 47 off 20 balls against KXIP. (Full coverage of IPL 2020)

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“It is great to have the big man in such form since tournament in Caribbean (CPL) and he is continuing with that form, which is very important and we are always banking on him,” Zaheer said in a flash interview posted on MI twitter handle.

“Pollard, when he comes to the party early, it’s always a great sign for us,” Zaheer added.

The former India pace spearhead is happy how the team has shaped up in the four games so far, winning two convincingly and losing one to RCB in Super Over and other against CSK in the final over of the match.

“All in all, we are very happy as how things are shaping up for us and we would be continuing with the process going ahead in the tournament. We have been playing good cricket. Our preparations have been fantastic and we have been motivating our troops in that regard,” Zaheer said.

What has impressed him most is how the players irrespective of their stature have absorbed the pressure in various situations.

“Everyone has absorbed pressure very well -- be it bowling or batting. Rohit (Sharma) and Ishan (Kishan) took their time, conditions were not easy (yesterday),” he said referring to skipper and Jharkhand dasher’s 62-run stand.

He also praised the extensive homework done by MI fast bowling coach Shane Bond, who had laid elaborate plans for the bowlers to execute.

“Shane Bond works very hard so that all the bowlers are updated with the plans, good to have experienced pace battery (Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah) we have.”

Left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya and leg spinner Rahul Chahar’s superb bowling in the middle overs also received special mention. The duo between them bowled eight overs for only 53 runs taking three wickets -- KL Rahul, Karun Nair and Glenn Maxwell.

“It was important for someone like Rahul Chahar and Krunal to get that confidence and time in the middle.”

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and exclusive insights on the RR vs LSG Live Score, GT vs MI Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times Website and Apps.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On