Mumbai Indians have lost all the four matches they have played so far in the Indian Premier League 2022. MI play Punjab Kings on Wednesday.
Mumbai Indians vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah understands and accepts the hard truth that Mumbai Indians are indeed going through a ‘transition phase’ and the new kids in the block need to understand how to react to pressure situations in a high-intensity tournament like IPL.
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Mumbai have already lost four games on the trot and lack of bowling options is hurting the five-time champions badly. “It's a transition phase that every cricketer understands, and every team goes through that. We are in that phase; we have got a new group,” Bumrah said.
“So, understanding the format of the IPL, how you have to handle pressure and achieve success in this league. We are going through that. We are looking forward that we go through this transition, and then we have all the players we had and the quality will come back again,” he said.
For Bumrah, it is important that MI lives in the present rather than stressing on the past “Right now, we live in the present. Yes, things have not gone according to plan so far, but we keep on fighting and we keep on finding a way,” Bumrah said in a media release issued by the franchise.
“That is the way the game of cricket works. Whenever a challenge comes, you try to find solutions to the challenge and we are trying to do that,” he added. Bumrah feels that the tracks have been heavily loaded in favour of batters this time and the toss has proved to be crucial so far.
“This year when the wickets are helping the batters and it's difficult to take wickets, you have to find your ways. We are no different. We are trying to find new ways. We've come up with a few plans,” the right-arm speedster said, without divulging the plans.
Toss indeed has become a crucial factor. “If it was up to me, I would say win the toss. That really helps. But yes, whenever you come into this scenario, there is a little bit of help with the new ball, so maintaining a good line, trying to swing the ball upfront, I think will help you,” he quipped.
“As soon as you come to the later stages, be it the first innings or the second innings, the wicket settles down (due to dew). So then maybe you have to start your death bowling a little early. All of these pointers might help the other bowlers as well, so we're looking to address that as soon as possible and then use it to our advantage,” he added.