Patel backs star-studded MI staff

Sport360 staff 11:57 25/04/2015
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  • Backing up: Parthiv Patel.

    Mumbai Indians wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel doesn’t feel a gargantuan support staff is one of the reasons behind his team’s dismal start. 

    Mumbai Indians are rock bottom in the IPL table after enduring five defeats in six games.

    Rohit Sharma’s side lost their first four matches, got one win under their belt against Royal Challengers Bangalore before slumping to a defeat against the Delhi Daredevils.

    All of Mumbai’s defeats have been comprehensive, which belies their line-up which has big names like Sharma, Kieron Pollard, Harbhajan Singh and Lasith Malinga.

    They have issues in every department to sort out as they prepare for their clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad today (14:30). 

    There have been jokes that the quality of Mumbai’s backroom staff is stronger than the XI they are putting out on the field each match, with Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting and Anil Kumble all bona fide legends of the game. 

    “We are lucky to have a good coaching staff with us. They have played so much of cricket and they know that every player needs his space and that’s what they do,” said Parthiv. 

    “They try and give their small inputs and that helps. I don’t think the star-studded coaching staff is hampering our chances

    “As a player it’s a dream to be in the same dressing room as Sachin Tendulkar (chief mentor), Ricky Ponting (head coach), Anil Kumble (mentor) or Jonty Rhodes (fielding consultant) or Shane Bond (bowling coach). As a player they know the game.

    “They know what a player needs and that’s what they try and do. It was my first year with MI and I was definitely looking forward to working with them.

    “From the outside it might look that they are adding pressure, but now that I am in the team, I would say that I am fortunate to be part of the team.”

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