‘Bumrah has taken over the mantle from Malinga’
Jasprit Bumrah has been a mainstay in Mumbai Indians' bowling attack, and all-rounder Kieron Pollard feels that the Indian pacer has taken over the mantle from Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga.
Sri Lankan pacer Malinga, who was a key cog in the bowling wheel of Mumbai Indians, had opted out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to personal reasons.
Pollard was speaking following MI’s loss against Kings XI Punjab in the 2nd Super Over at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
However, in the first super over Bumrah had conceded just five runs and Mumbai Indians looked set for a comfortable victory but Mohammad Shami turned the tide and took the game into another super over
"He's (Bumrah) a world-class cricketer. He has been number one in a couple of formats for a long period of time. He has learned and has gone leaps and bounds for us at Mumbai Indians in a run of while and so. We have comfort in him. A couple of years ago, we had a fit and fair Lasith Malinga and he (Bumrah) has taken over that mantle now and so," said Pollard during the post-match press conference.
In the first Super Over, Rohit Sharma and Quinton De Kock came out to bat and were not able to take the team over the line. In the second Super Over, Pollard helped Mumbai Indians score 11 runs.
"Obviously there are decision-makers to make the decision, you know we can look at those things and say that's where we lost the game but we played a very good game of cricket. We batted well and getting to 170 odd and bringing the game to the last over," said Pollard.
Defending champions Mumbai Indians are at second spot with 12 points, two points short of front-runner Delhi Capitals.
"Just a matter of improvement, each and every time we step on the cricket field is to improve and to do better. We will look back and analyse the game and we will come up with a better plan and hopefully get two points in the next game," said the all-rounder.
Mumbai Indians batsman Kieron Pollard said the match showed that every run counted.
"In T20 cricket, 1 run and 2 runs are very, very crucial. I am sure it was great for viewership. KXIP got the better of us and deserved the two points. KL again batted beautifully, going down to a Super Over, congratulations to them," he said.
"Around the 11-12 over, we knew we were a couple of overs behind. Getting 170-odd, that was a good total - above-par on a track that was on the slower side. With the dimensions, we thought we can defend that."
Despite the loss, Pollard said his side played good cricket.
"It's a matter of trying to improve each and every time. There are a couple of areas we need to improve on. We have a four-day break, enough time to reflect. The guys are confident in the dressing room.
"I was told that he (Rohit) is not feeling well (after the loss). We'll see what happens. He's a fighter," said the West Indian who remained not out on 34 off just 12 balls.
Mumbai Indians will next lock horns with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Friday.
