I love Ishan Kishan, love the banter I have with him: Shane Bond

Former New Zealand pace sensation Shane Bond has developed a deep-rooted connection with the Mumbai Indians' cricketers, having served as their bowling coach. Bond has forged a special bond with the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, a stalwart of the MI franchise for half a decade. 

The bowling coach also revealed a cuss word MI's strength and conditioning coach Paul Chapman nicknamed Kishan with "out of love". The camaraderie amongst the MI squad, as illuminated by Bond's affectionate anecdote, reflects the unique bonds that cricket fosters. 

"I love Ishan. He is a funny guy. I love the banter I have with him. Chappy (Paul Chapman) called him a d**khead (laughs). If you're being a d**khead, you're being a d**khead (laughs). We still call him a d**khead, but it's out of love. When you spend time with these players, you make good friendships," The 48-year-old told on YouTube channel 'Wake up with Sorabh'.

Shane Bond on Mumbai Indians’ scouting system

However, the conversation wasn't limited to jest and camaraderie alone. The former Kiwi pacer also paid tribute to the MI scouting system, responsible for unearthing hidden gems like Akash Madhwal and Kumar Kartikeya. These two aspiring cricketers initially graced the MI camp as net bowlers but rose through the ranks with grit and determination, earning their place in the squad. 

"Akash and Kumar Kartikeya were a part of the net bowlers. They got into the squad on the basis of their performances. What I like about those two is their attitude every day. Kumar left home at 16 and only came back when he achieved something. Aakash is a smart guy and both of them have grabbed the opportunity which shows their mental strength for success," he added.

Meanwhile, Bond is set to be replaced by Lasith Malinga as the franchise's bowling coach, with Malinga having undertaken that role for Mumbai Indians' SA20 franchise MI Cape Town for the second edition of the league.