Parthiv backs Malinga

Mumbai Indians wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel on Friday backed Sri Lankan medium pacer Lasith Malinga, saying that the team is not losing sleep over his form.

"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," Patel told reporters here on the eve of Mumbai Indians match against Gujarat Lions.

"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 added.

Patel also praised Jasprit Bumrah, who he captains in Gujarat Ranji Trophy team, saying: "He 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."

Asked about the game plan of Mumbai Indians, who are at the second position in the points table, Patel 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."

On his own form, Patel said he would like to spend more time in the middle. Lauding Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene, Patel said he was "fit for the job". "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."

Patel welcomed the four-day rest his team got, saying: "We needed that break. We played few back to back games and such a break is always welcome in long tournaments like IPL.