Lasith Malinga’s probable absence, Kieron Pollard’s encouraging recovery and Lendl Simmons’s level-headedness were touched upon by Ricky Ponting, Mumbai Indians head coach, ahead of his first training session with the full squad.
The Sri Lankan slinger has not joined the squad so far, said Ponting. “The tournament rules for replacement give us time till the fifth game to name a replacement. I’m not sure of Malinga taking part in the first half .”
He named South African Marchant de Lange and New Zealander Tim Southee as fast bowling options for the Lankan death overs specialist
Pollard’s recovery from a knee injury is reason to rejoice for the MI coach. “He has been training with us and will play the first game. Our physio is surprised at how fit Pollard is at the moment.”
The MI coach welcomed Pollard’s countryman Simmons, member of the T20 World champion squad. “With Simmons, it was important to switch off World Cup mood and get into the IPL phase. That is exactly what he told me when we met and had a long discussion,” said Ponting.
The domestic faces in the MI squad came in for special mention from the head coach. Responding to a query about more first-class players getting a chance to contribute, the Aussie said: “Part of my job is to see that domestic players come through fast (into the playing squad).”
Rohit to openRohit Sharma said he wants to open the batting, but is open to dropping down the order later in keeping with team interests. “I will open in the first four to five matches, then take it from there,” said the MI skipper. Lendl Simmons, Parthiv Patel and Unmukt Chand can also open.
