IPL 2017: Mumbai Indians riding high on planning, execution, says Parthiv Patel

Perennial slow starters, Mumbai Indians lost their first 2017 Indian Premier League (IPL) match to Rising Pune Supergiant, but quickly found momentum and have now won six of their eight matches so far.

Mumbai Indians wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel feels perfect planning and execution have been the key to former champions Mumbai Indians’ solid run in the 2017 Indian Premier League season.

Parthiv Patel has been a key player for the Mumbai Indians in the 2017 edition of the Indian Premier League. (AFP)

Perennial slow starters, Mumbai Indians lost their first IPL 2017 match to Rising Pune Supergiant, but quickly found momentum and have now won six of their eight matches so far.

“Throughout the tournament we have not been worried about what opposition has thrown at us. We have always made our plans and executed with our abilities,” Parthiv said on the eve of the match against the Suresh Raina-led Gujarat Lions.

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“Any side can beat any side on a given day but I think it is very important to focus on what we can achieve than what’s coming at us,” Parthiv added.

Sri Lankan pace spearhead Lasith Malinga’s form has been up and down in this edition and he has also sat out the last two matches, but Parthiv feels it is not a concern.

“That (loss of form) can happen to anyone. He has been a proven match-winner, whether it’s in the IPL or international cricket. So, I don’t think there is any worry. Form will be here and there, so it won’t make much of a difference but I’m sure he will come back stronger,” said the Gujarat Ranji skipper.

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The Sri Lanka pacer bowled at full tilt in the nets at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Friday and it remains to be seen whether he will be included in the playing eleven.

Parthiv said Mumbai Indians’ all-round bowling attack has kept them in good shape in the tournament. “We have got very good all-round options and the bowling attack is not something which is decided on the nature of the wicket. We have six bowling options, of which anyone can bowl four overs at any given time.”

Mahela’s contribution

Parthiv feels new coach Mahela Jayawardene has brought a certain calmness to the dressing room. “He is a vastly experienced player, who at the moment is playing in different countries as a T20 player. So, he understands how difficult this format can be. But the calmness he has brought to the dressing room is very good.

“You can see on the ground as well that we are enjoying ourselves and that’s something which is very important. To make important decisions you need to be calm and that’s the reason why we are sitting pretty at this moment.”