The ongoing IPL is the third season for New Zealand’s Mitchell McClenaghan with the Mumbai Indians but calling out his name has been a tough one for team wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel.
Speaking at a promotional event here on Wednesday, Parthiv — when asked what’s been the funniest moment being part of the team — said, “Well it was not easy to pronounce McClenaghan. You can ask anyone in the crowd here.’’
England’s Jos Buttler, sitting next to Hardik Pandya, however had no such problems was just about perfect in pronouncing the Kiwi left-arm seamer’s name. Buttler also said his best moments in the league had been winning a match and spending time with teammates in the dressing room.
Parthiv added, “Winning six games out of eight has been fantastic. The starts have been good, but it is about time that we get bigger ones as well and help the team more. It is a good way to start the tournament.
“We [Parthiv and Buttler] gel off the field and enjoy batting together in the middle; the way we have been playing, it is showing (good results). He likes to go from the outset and I take five-six balls, it allows me to settle. I enjoy batting with him, he is probably the most destructive batsman in the world I have seen.’’
Expressing relief at the break before MI’s next match against Gujarat Lions at Rajkot on April 29, Parthiv said: “It was much needed. We have been on the road until now. I am confident that the way we have played (so far), we are not going to be complacent.
“We have to go out and play every game, respect every opponent and play to our potential. We don’t worry about where we are playing; it’s a matter of executing our plans.
“We have a proper balanced bowling attack, we have got six bowlers who can bowl four overs each. We have six options and our batting is clicking and that is the reason we are at the top of the table.”
