Mumbai Indians’ (MI) Director of cricket operations Zaheer Khan lauded his team’s performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in an IPL 2021 encounter and said that their players showed great character.
Opting to bat Mumbai Indians on account of brilliant finish by Kieron Pollard posted a total of 150 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their third game of IPL 14 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
Chasing the target SRH openers David Warner and Jonny Bairstow were off the flyer and were looking set for their first victory of the season.
However, despite the flying start by SRH openers, Mumbai bowlers showed great composer to help Rohit Sharma-led side complete a comfortable victory.
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Both Rahul Chahar and Trent Boult shined with the ball claiming three wickets each and helped their team register their second consecutive win of the season.
In a video posted by Mumbai Indians on their Twitter handle, Zaheer Khan said that despite a flying start by SRH, their boys showed great character which he the biggest takeaway from this game.
He added that it doesn’t matter how the other team’s come at them they will always find a way of coming back.
"We all know the value of that and even though we didn't start well with the ball, the way you guys showed character, in staying the fight, was important. We showed that. That is the biggest takeaway from this game.
“It does not matter how other teams are coming at us. We are going to find a way of coming back. That is something which is very heartening to see from our outside. So, continue with that," Zaheer Khan said in a video posted by MI on their Twitter Handle.
Khan lauded Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rahul Chahar for their terrific bowling performances.
"Boulty it was great yorkers. You have been working on it consciously. And Bumrah, you have been special all along man. Continue with the work you have been doing. Chahar, it is not one or two games it is a season and that's what we have been talking about, continue with that," he said.
Zaheer Khan said they spoke about playing at Chennai at as the toughest leg and it’s because of the hard work that they’ve two wins under their belt.
"We did speak about this leg being the toughest leg. We knew that it was not going to be easy and three matches down we have two wins under our belt. And I think that is what matters. It is just about working on that belief," said Zaheer Khan.
Khan said Mumbai Indians are showing the much-vaunted 'fight' and belief required to win the games at Chepauk. He further commented on Quinton de Kock, Rohit Sharma, and Pollard for their contributions.
"We did speak about getting together, backing each other finding a way of winning games of cricket in a tough venue and I am very happy to see that. The fight which everyone is talking about, everyone is seeing that is commendable.
“Just keep believing in that keep enjoying the processes. Quinton-Rohit provided a great start and it was a great finish by Pollard on this track," he said.
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Zaheer Khan further said that team is looking a champion team and they will continue playing like that.
"When I am looking around in this group, the team is looking a champion team. That is how we will keep going in this season. Enjoy every bit of it. You guys deserve it," he concluded.
The defending champions Mumbai Indians will next lock horns with Delhi Capitals on 20th April at Chennai.
(ANI inputs)
