IPL 2020: WATCH – Trent Boult highlights the biggest challenge for players during IPL in UAE

Boult will turn out for Mumbai Indians in the upcoming IPL season.

Trent Boult (Source: @mipaltan/Twitter)Ahead of the 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), Mumbai Indians (MI) suffered a huge blow as their leading pacer Lasith Malinga opted out of the tournament citing “personal reasons”.

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Malinga, the highest wicket-taker in the history of IPL with 170 scalps, is regarded among the best bowlers in death overs. He delivered the important last over in MI’s 1-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2019 finals.

In Malinga’s absence, the defending champions are expecting Trent Boult to spearhead the pace attack along with Jasprit Bumrah.

In an exclusive chat with MITV, Boult on Monday (September 14) talked about his association with the franchise.

“I have played for a couple of other franchises but I am obviously excited to be a part of the Mumbai Indians family. Speaking from experience I have played against them a few times. The big challenge that you face when you come up against this side is that they have always been very intimidating. So it’s nice to be on the other end of it and be part of such a cool group,” Boult said.

The left-arm pacer also explained how the hot conditions in UAE will make things challenging for the players.

“The biggest challenge has been trying to prepare to come to 45 degrees in the middle of the desert. I come from a very small country New Zealand which is about 7 or 9 degrees at the moment.

“I have played cricket here. I know conditions can change very drastically. But I am hoping for good wickets,” he added.

The 2020 season of IPL will kick-start on September 19. Mumbai Indians will take on Chennai Super Kings in the tournament opener at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 14 Sep, 2020

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