Zaheer Khan, Mumbai Indians’ Director of Cricket, has admitted that the five-time champions are traditionally slow starters in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, the former Indian fast bowler said that it is important to keep the mood of the side refreshing in a long tournament like the IPL.

Mumbai Indians’ Director of Cricket Zaheer Khan on Friday (April 1) admitted that the five-time champions are slow starters but said it is important to keep the mood of the side upbeat in a long tournament such as the Indian Premier League (IPL). As has been the case in the past editions, MI had a disappointing start to IPL 2022, losing by four wickets to Delhi Capitals (DC) in their season opener on March 27.

During the pre-match conference ahead of Mumbai’s next fixture against Rajasthan Royals, Zaheer said, “There have been a lot of constructive chats around the options which we can take. You know the first game is always a tricky one and you know traditionally how we have been faring in the first game of the tournament. So, usually, we have been slow starters.”

“It is a long tournament, so you have to keep the mood upbeat. Still early days, very early days I would say, so that is how the whole camp is looking at it. The intensity, the preparation, and the way everyone is doing their business are fantastic. We are looking for that first win,” he added.

Further, Zaheer confirmed that their premier batter Suryakumar Yadav will be available for selection against RR following his recovery from a finger injury.

“… as I said earlier he has been practising, so that is something which we are all eagerly waiting for and in terms of his availability for the next game, yes he is (available),” the former Indian fast bowler said.

Suryakumar had suffered a hairline fracture while fielding in the third and final T20I against the West Indies in Kolkata back in February and was recuperating at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. He missed MI’s opening game against Delhi Capitals (DC).