IPL 2021: Bumrah is your cornerstone, have to use it in an aggressive manner, says Zaheer

Zaheer Khan, Director of Cricket Operations, Mumbai Indians on Monday said the last edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was a tipping point in Ishan Kishan’s career and the left-handed batsman has just flourished from there.

Mumbai Indians lost the opening game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Friday and now the side would lock horns against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Tuesday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. “Ishan Kishan is looking assured, he is looking calmer. When you are growing as a cricketer, you are trying to make that impact at the highest level, you have that tipping point. The last year was a tipping point for Ishan when he played that knock against RCB, he just flourished from there, he is in the same zone, he is going about his business, he is making sure that he is continuing his processes and spending enough time in the nets,” said Zaheer during a virtual press conference on Monday.

Before IPL 2021, Ishan had made his T20I debut for India and he played a match-winning knock in his very first match on the big stage.

“Well, I think giving them freedom to express themselves is very important. As a setup, we encourage that and we encourage each and every individual to bring out their original self in the middle. When you do not have that clatter of thought, you are able to express yourself freely. We do have healthy discussions around what they can add to their game, as cricketers, you always look to evolve yourself to try and understand the game better. We try hard, we are lucky enough to have a squad in hand who keep pushing the boundaries,” said Zaheer.

When asked about Jasprit Bumrah not bowling enough at the start of the innings, Zaheer said: “Bumrah is your trump card, when you have a trump card, then you have to use it in an aggressive manner, when you really need it. That is how the process revolves around Jasprit, he can turn the game around at any stage.”

Opening batsman Chris Lynn played a knock of 49 runs in the first match against RCB, but his spot is not guaranteed anymore as wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock has finished his quarantine and he would be available for the match against KKR.

“It is a good headache to have as a management, we are lucky to have such a squad where people are waiting to grab their opportunity. We have players who keep pushing each other so that is the exciting part. All I can say is as management when you have these types of headaches, it is assuring that you are well set in the tournament,” said Zaheer.

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