Dubai: Mumbai Indians' star bowler Trent Boult has said both Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya are recovering well and the team is desperate to have them back.
"They’re both recovering very well. We are desperate to get them back. So, fingers crossed, they’re good and raring to go in the next couple of games," he told reporters.
However, it was very much required for them to take an extra bit of rest in the last match against CSK, Boult said.
He said Rohit was missed in the match against CSK because he had scored tons of runs at the top order.
It was a big hole, but it was a good decision to make sure that he is 100 per cent right with the amount of cricket coming up, he said.
He said it is bit of a challenge to get back to IPL and find rhythm after a break.
"Coming from a tour in New Zealand to a very vast change in conditions, the heat and the pressure that comes with the IPL, it’s challenging, but I enjoy it," he said.
The boys are very keen to push hard for the remaining half of the tournament and see if the team can push for the big playoffs, he said.
Boult said inclusion of Pandya would be an extra advantage for the team because he bats and bowls.
He said the Abu Dhabi track probably influences the ball, but his role is cut for being aggressive and swinging the ball and get a couple wickets early on.
Boult said Mumbai will not treat KKR lightly just because they have nice results against the previously.
KKR are a quality side and they looked good the other night, he said.
MI had won 22 times against KKR overall.
On Varun Chakravarthy's quality bowling, Boult said more than focusing on his bowling, it is important for the batters to stack up a good score, when the guys have had enough experience playing against him with a lot of research and planning.
Boult said he looks IPL as being a preparation for the T20 World Cup.
"I have had a little bit of experience in the UAE and the conditions can change very quickly. Having to deal with the heat and humidity is a bit of a challenge at this stage, but it’s going to be interesting to see how the conditions move over in the next 10 or so weeks," he said.
On Lasith Malinga’s influence on MI dressing room, Boult said he did not get an opportunity to play with him, but he has definitely inspired a lot of people around the world with his achievements.
Boult said it is because of the IPL that Indian fast bowlers are coming out well and surely many more exciting faces will come to the fore in next few years.
On Adam Milne, Boult said he is a big asset because he hits the numbers ate 150 mark.
"Personally, I had a lot to do with Milne. I have seen him for 9 years and it is just great to watch him be on the park and delivering and doing well. He was part of the Hundred recently in England and did extremely well there," he said.
"This format is perfectly suited to him. I know that he works extremely hard to make sure that his body is in really good shape and can withstand what’s needed I suppose, at this level and intensity. It’s great to see him doing really well. Hopefully he plays a big part in the coming two weeks," he said.
MI will take on KKR at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Thursday. We look forward to what more Boult has to offer the next matchday. (UNI)
