Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic, numerous cricketers have opted out of IPL 2020, citing personal reasons. CSK’s experienced campaigners, Suresh Raina and Harbhajan Singh have recently opted out of IPL, citing personal reasons. Mumbai Indians too were struck with a huge blow after Lasith Malinga, the highest wicket-taker in IPL, opted out of IPL 2020 to take care of his ailing father.
Mumbai Indians recently announced James Pattinson as a replacement for the Sri Lankan bowler. Pattinson was last seen playing in the Big Bash League. IPL 2020 will see him bowling alongside the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult.
Pattinson recently talked about his association with Mumbai Indians and expressed his excitement to share the bowling duties with Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult. While talking about the same, Pattinson rated Jasprit Bumrah as the number one T20 bowler at the moment.
“Personally, it’s just fantastic to work with some of the best bowlers in the world. Obviously, Bumrah is probably the best T20 bowler in the world. And Boulty (Trent Boult) is up there as well. So, for me it will be a great experience to be around those guys,” Pattinson said in a video shared on Mumbai Indians’ official Twitter handle, reported TOI.
James Pattinson has a good amount of experience playing in the Middle East. Speaking on the surfaces in UAE, the 30-year old opined that the pitches will get slower as the tournament progresses, adding that the bowler will be seen using a lot of slower balls this year.
“The wickets are drier and there will be three wickets which will be used throughout the tournament so it will be slower and lower as the tournament goes on. May be the slower ball and stuff like that might come into play a lot more.”
Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2020 campaign against Chennai Super Kings on 19th September 2020.