Defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) may have not been at their best in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 so far, but the same isn't true for their experienced middle-order batsman Kieron Pollard.
The big West Indian has been in his element, showing excellent six-hitting form which, the team's Director of Cricket Zaheer Khan says, augurs really well for the side as they go deeper into the tournament.
Read Also: "Ashwin might be available for selection versus KKR", says Ryan Harris
Pollard struck a 24-ball 60* in the super-over loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and followed it up with another unbeaten knock of 47 in 20 balls in the victory over Kings XI Punjab (KXIP).
"It is great to have the big man in such form since the tournament in the Caribbean (CPL) and he is continuing with that form, which is very important and we are always banking on him,” Zaheer said in a short interview over MI's official twitter handle.
"Pollard, when he comes to the party early, it’s always a great sign for us," he added.
MI, placed at the top of the points table for the moment but with two wins and two losses, can't take anything for granted in an extremely competitive league such as the IPL despite their magnificent squad.
Zaheer knows that very well, but thinks his team is also building up nicely towards their peak form.
“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."
“Everyone has absorbed pressure very well — be it bowling or batting. Rohit (Sharma) and Ishan (Kishan) took their time, conditions were not easy (yesterday)," said the former India left-arm pacer, referring to the important stand between Kishan, who had struck a wonderful 99 in the RCB encounter, and skipper Rohit in the match versus KXIP.
Zaheer also lauded bowling coach Shane Bond for his much-detailed plans, helping bowlers to execute those under pressure on the field.
“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," he said, adding that spinners Rahul Chahar and Krunal Pandya gaining in confidence through performance in the last match was certainly very important for the team.
“It was important for someone like Rahul Chahar and Krunal to get that confidence and time in the middle," he concluded.
(Inputs from PTI)
