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IPL 2017: Parthiv Patel backs Lasith Malinga to make strong comeback for Mumbai Indians (MI)

Mumbai Indians' (MI) Parthiv Patel remained optimistic about it's Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga's chances in the ongoing IPL 2017.

Speaking on his own form, Parthiv Patel said, "I didn't get more than thirties, but I'm happy the way I'm hitting the ball and will try to stay longer at the crease." © BCCI
Speaking on his own form, Parthiv Patel said, “I didn’t get more than thirties, but I’m happy the way I’m hitting the ball and will try to stay longer at the crease.” © BCCI

Former 2-time champions Mumbai Indians‘ (MI) wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel remained optimistic about it’s Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga‘s chances in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017. Parthiv believes Malinga, who is coming off an injury, will surely bounce back at the right time and in style. He also said that Mumbai have a good bowling attack and will not panic owing to Malinga’s poor form as of now in the tournament. Parthiv was also all praise for his Gujarat teammate and pacer Jasprit Bumrah, saying that he has become an improved bowler and keeps doing so with each passing game, as he backs him to make more impact for Mumbai in the IPL. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Gujarat Lions (GL) vs Mumbai Indians (MI), Match 35 at Rajkot

“He is coming out of injury. He has been proven match winner in both levels — International as well as IPL — and we are not worried about his form. I am sure Malinga will come back strongly. We have good options, our bowling attack is not something which is dependent on any bowler or any wicket. We have variety in bowling,” he said, as reported by PTI. “Jasprit Bumrah has now become a much improved bowler. He is improving his game every year since he started playing for Gujarat in Ranji Trophy. He has done well for both Gujarat and Mumbai Indians,” he added. IPL 2017: Jos Buttler is one of the most destructive batsmen in world, says Parthiv Patel

Asked about Mumbai’s game plan going further ahead in the IPL 2017, he said, “It’s important for us to focus on what we can achieve. We do not think about what opposition is doing, we have our plans and we try to execute those properly. Our focus is on what we can achieve rather than what is coming at us.” Speaking on his own form, he said, “I didn’t get more than thirties, but I’m happy the way I’m hitting the ball and will try to stay longer at the crease.”

Parthiv also lauded Mumbai’s head coach Mahela Jayawardene. “He has vast experience of playing T20 in different countries, so he understand how difficult the T20 format is. He also brought calmness to the dressing room which is visible on the field,” he said. He concluded by speaking on the long four-day break for Mumbai. “We needed that break. We played few back to back games and such a break is always welcome in long tournaments like IPL,” he concluded.

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