Five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are undeniably one of the strongest T20 teams in the world. Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, the team has gone from strength to strength with each new season and is aiming to complete a hat-trick of IPL titles in the ongoing season being played in UAE.
Trent Boult was a wonderful addition to the side after he was traded from the Delhi Capitals (DC). During a press conference organised by MI, the New Zealand pacer – who has represented DC, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the past, highlighted what separates MI from the other franchises.
“There are a lot of reasons but I suppose briefly just the confidence that they instill in the players, they rehearse and research well in terms of what is needed in certain situations. They have been a successful franchise for these reasons. I have enjoyed my time here, I hope it’s not over yet, it’s been brilliant to go out there and be clear of what’s needed. It’s been a good couple of campaigns for Mumbai,” the left-arm pacer said,” he said in response to a query from timesnownews.com.
Legendary Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga, who recently announced his retirement from the shortest format of the game, has played a key role for MI over the years. Malinga remains to be the highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 170 wickets to his name from 122 matches. He has also honed the skills of several bowlers during his stint with MI and remains to be one of the most respected bowlers in world cricket.
Paying his tribute to Malinga, Boult said that the pacer had not only done amazing things for the MI franchise but had also inspired several people across the globe with his achievements.
“I didn’t get the opportunity to play with Lasith. Not just for the Mumbai Indians, but for T20 cricket around the world, one of the most popular faces and recognised bowling action going around. He has developed the game and supported a lot of people to take it up. The guy had some serious ability and was amazing with the ball in hand. Obviously sad for his career to have come to an end. He has definitely inspired a lot of people around the world with what he has done,” Boult added.
In MI’s opening match of the UAE leg, Boult was one of the key bowlers for Mumbai as he bagged two wickets. The side, however lost the match by 20 runs against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
MI will now look to get back to winning ways as they take on Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on September 23.
