Mumbai: Kieron Pollard, the batting coach of Mumbai Indians, affirmed that there are no intentions to rest the key Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the T20 World Cup, despite the team being out of contention for the IPL playoffs.
Following Mumbai Indians’ seven-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad, wherein Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 102 facilitated the successful chase of a target of 174 with 16 balls to spare, Pollard addressed the media. This win halted Mumbai’s four-match losing streak and marked only their fourth victory in 12 matches.
Responding to queries regarding the potential resting of Bumrah in the remaining two matches of Mumbai Indians, Pollard stated, “I certainly haven’t had any discussions about that. I don’t think that’s my role and function at this point in time.” He emphasized the team’s focus on completing the IPL season before considering other engagements such as the T20 World Cup, indicating that Bumrah’s management would likely occur when he transitions to the Indian team.
Mumbai Indians’ final IPL fixture is scheduled against Lucknow Super Giants at home on May 17, with the T20 World Cup commencing on June 1, co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies.
Pollard elaborated on the coaching challenges posed by players like Suryakumar Yadav, particularly in tempering their aggressive instincts. “He’s one, who, by nature, instinctively, is very aggressive. He wants to take the bowlers on more often than not,” Pollard remarked, highlighting the importance of balancing aggression with situational awareness in batting.
Regarding Suryakumar’s exceptional performance, Simon Helmot, the assistant coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad, acknowledged his influence and the difficulty in bowling to him. Helmot also emphasized the significance of adapting to varying conditions in the IPL, noting the challenges faced by batters due to swing-friendly conditions.
Despite the defeat, Helmot highlighted the importance of maintaining their fourth position in the IPL points table for Sunrisers Hyderabad, emphasizing the competitiveness of the tournament. He underscored the need for a quick turnaround as they prepare for their upcoming matches.
