Mumbai Indians’ Director of Cricket Operations Zaheer Khan on Sunday denied the role of the dew in the matches this year. The former fast bowler discounted the dew factor that might affect the bowlers’ performance.
Zaheer believes that the bowlers have been practising day and night and also adapted to the conditions in the UAE.
“So far in the tournament, dew has not been as much of a factor because the matches have been starting early,” Zaheer said.
The teams have mostly preferred to bat second and chase the target despite the outcomes favouring the ones batting first. But the 41-year-old said that the team has been working with the players very closely so dew factor wouldn’t bother them.
“In a few games, you might see dew coming in, for which the bowlers are now used to understand what are the things and how to manage that. You see that in practice as well with some of the bowlers using some water on the seam, which makes it slippery, and adjust accordingly. These are the usual practices in preparation to tackle the situation when there is heavy dew.” he added.
Mumbai Indians will next face Royal Challengers Bangalore in their upcoming fixture in Dubai tomorrow. Zaheer is confident about the side’s win in that match and continue their winning-streak in the tournament.
“We have a very experienced bunch of pacers and that is something that is going to work in our advantage. Boult has played so many international matches, in so many different conditions. That experience matters a lot. He is a world class bowler, so is Pattinson. Bumrah has been phenomenal in death overs and really carries the weight of the back end of the innings on his shoulders. That provides great strength.” he concluded.
