By Monojit Mandal
SHILLONG: Mumbai Indians Director of Cricket Operations Zaheer Khan feels MI fast bowlers are now well versed in addressing the dew factor since most of the IPL matches are scheduled under the lights.
Answering to a question asked by The Shillong Times, Zaheer said that bowlers are now experienced in managing the dew factors by changing the grip of the ball or the length of bowling accordingly to get maximum help from the pitch.
“Bowlers are now used to (tackling dew factors) they’re experienced enough to understand what are the things needed with a wet ball, you know how to manage that you’ve seen some of the bowlers in practice also using some water on the scene so that the seam is slippery and adjust the length accordingly.
“So these are the usual practices which go on in preparation if you have to tackle a situation like having dew on the outfield.” Said Zaheer.
Although the dew factor has played a crucial part so far in the IPL as teams winning the toss, preferred to bowl first to grab the advantage of the wet ball which makes batting fairly easier in the second half, Zaheer said dew isn’t a factor for Mumbai Indians.
“So far in the competition dew hasn’t been a factor as the IPL matches are starting early and that is something which has been working well for the bowlers.”
Throwing lights on availability of Hardik Pandya as a bowler, Zaheer said that the all-rounder is keen to bowl but the team management needs to take a call in consideration of Pandya’s fitness at the moment.
“Well we are all expecting him to bowl and you know he’s someone who changes the balance of the side when he is bowling and he understands that but we have listened to his body and that is something the conversation which we’ve been having in consultation with the physios.”
“We are looking forward to him to bowl and he’s very keen and wanting to bowl. We are happy that is there as a batter and with full fitness contributing. So that is the exciting part and hopefully, you’ll see him bowl soon.”
The 26-year-old all-rounder, who returned to cricket in March after back surgery, did not bowl for Mumbai Indians in the first two IPL games; however, he scored 18 and 14 in the last two outings as a batsman against Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings. Talking about the upcoming match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), The former India pacer said that Mumbai Indians players are not much concerned about the opponent; rather they are more focused on improving their proficiency.
“We go on about doing our business you know, we prepare for each game according to the opponents, but also keeping our strengths in mind and that’s what we’ll be focusing on you know, we know on in this format particularly on a given day any team can beat any team. So, we are not looking at what kind of form they (RCB) are coming in, we are looking at going out there and playing our best cricket.” He added.