Having replaced Lasith Malinga in the Mumbai Indians (MI) squad, Australian speedster James Pattinson is having a great time in the 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).
Pattinson has claimed nine wickets from six games so far and the right-arm pacer feels he has been rewarded for keeping things simple in the IPL 2020.
"First time I have played in the IPL. Was picked up by Kolkata in 2011 but didn't play. It has been fantastic and Mumbai Indians have really welcomed me and looked after me. Happy to have played my part and hopefully keep winning games. Hopefully, we can keep the winning run going.
"I suppose it was obviously tough as we were coming down from a lockdown so didn't have a lot of training pre-season. Luckily most of my training was done with white-ball in the pre-season that really helped although the conditions are different as it was seven degrees in Victoria and here it is 40. I think the biggest thing is to keep it simple and hit the top of the stumps," Pattinson said on the eve of MI's game against Delhi Capitals, as quoted by ANI.
Asked about filling the big boots of Malinga, he said: "Obviously disappointing for Malinga not to be able to come here this year. Awesome to be able to replace such a great player and coming in to replace one of the best T20 bowlers and the highest wicket-taker in the IPL is big shoes to fill. It is good to play my part. We have two really good white-ball bowlers in Jasprit (Bumrah) and Trent (Boult). Nice to play a backseat role and help them out as much as I can."
Pattinson also shared his experience of bowling alongside Bumrah and Boult. While Bumrah has picked up 11 wickets, Boult has 10 scalps to his name in the ongoing IPL.
"The greatest thing about the IPL is that you get opportunities that you wouldn't experience without it. Get to open the bowling with someone who plays for another country and is one of the best bowlers in the world. It is a great experience and I pinch myself. Not just bowling with Trent, but also with Boom who is probably the best T20 bowler in the world.
"Really lucky to be bowling in great company and something I am relishing. The confidence they have rubs off on me. Still early in the tournament and there is still a long way to go. Need to keep the foot on the pedal and keep the pressure on," he said.
(With ANI inputs)
