New Zealand all-rounder James Franklin, who was an integral part of Mumbai Indians run to the play-off stages in IPL 4, is all set to star for the outfit in the Champions Trophy Twenty20 tournament, which will get underway from Monday.
Speaking to the media after a training session at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium here in Chennai, the southpaw said: “Mumbai Indians is a new team and playing well for them is a priority. Hopefully I can contribute with bat and ball, and looking forward to the encounter against Chennai Super Kings.”
While Franklin has averaged 54 with the bat in the last 14 ODI innings that he has played for New Zealand, the Kiwi is the first to admit that he needs to add zing to his bowling.
Though the 20-over format and the dry conditions are harsh on the bowlers, Franklin said he was ready to push himself.
“The conditions here (in the subcontinent) aren't perfect for pace bowling. I've never been an express bowler. Pushing myself would depend on how my body feels. I've lost weight, worked a lot with my trainer and hopefully I'll be able to push on,” he said.
The southpaw said one of the challenges of playing the shortest format of the game was in keeping the crowds engaged, considering how popular it is in the subcontinent, saying: “All three formats of the game come with their own challenges.
“Twenty 20 cricket is obviously massive in the subcontinent. The match gets done and dusted in three hours and as a batsman or a bowler you look to give the crowd good value for their money.”He concluded with the expected lines on Sachin Tendulkar's absence and how it will provide an opportunity for others.
“Sachin Tendulkar is obviously a massive player and also a leader. But it also opens up opportunities for the others to pitch in and hopefully someone will step up,” he ended.
