Mumbai don’t mind pressure, Zak insists

It’s not often Mumbai Indians, the five time IPL champions, find themselves in situation like this in the business-end of the tournament.

Two losses in as many games in the UAE leg of the tournament have now pushed them to an unfamiliar sixth position - though Zaheer Khan, their Director of Cricket Operations, kept up a brave face ahead of their next game against Royal Challengers Bangalore today.

‘‘This team certainly knows how to perform under pressure,’’ said Zaheer, while agreeing that his squad is beset with a number of problems - from the uncertainty over the availability of star allrounder Hardik Pandya to a fragile middle order.

The former Indian pace ace refused to give a headsup if Pandya can be seen in action in the late game today.

‘‘We have a practice session today and then we will take a call on Pandya - we are hopeful that he will be available,’’ Zaheer said during a virtual media interaction yesterday.

Subdued middle order

Mumbai’s normally explosive middle order, which had played a big role in their success over the years, had been strangely subdued even during the Indian leg. Suryakumar Yadav, who had taken up so much responsibility in the 2020 season, fell for 3 and 5 in his two innings in the UAE so far while Ishan Kishan is nowhere near his imperious form which yielded him 500-plus runs last year.

Asked to point a finger on what’s ailing the middle order, Zaheer said: ‘‘It’s an area of concern, but it’s just a matter of getting into rhythm in that one game. We are looking forward to the challenge to make history [a hat-trick of titles]. We all know how important this season is.’’