'I try and find out where the players come from, their approach towards the game' - Zaheer Khan explains his role MI's team director

Former India cricketer and Mumbai Indians’ Director of Cricket Operations Zaheer Khan has revealed his role in the team and also opened up about how he attempts to assist cricketers with the tactical and mental elements of the game.

Zaheer took over as the Team Director before the 2019 IPL, and was also played for MI in 2009, 2010 and 2014. Since he stepped in as the Director of Cricket, Mumbai have won the title twice. However, they became the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs race this year.

“You learn through conversations. But conversations and the experiences are something you know which if you can share, then that process becomes faster. It’s important to get to know each other. Each individual has its own story. So I always try and find out where they have come from and what kind of approach they have towards the game,” Zaheer said in a video posted by the franchise.

I think once you get to know each other, anyone should be comfortable in having a conversation: Zaheer Khan

The 43-year-old emphasized the importance of communication and said that it is necessary to understand a player’s mindset and thinking about the game. “So yeah, generally the talk is around just the technical side, the mental aspects of the game. Sometimes you know, in different phases in your career, you think differently. I think once you get to know each other, anyone should be comfortable and coming up to and having conversations if I can be of any help. It’s very satisfying.”

Zaheer has also been a part of the Delhi and Bangalore setup as a player and therefore brings in a lot of experience. His team struggled since the very first game of the IPL 2022 and recently opened their account by winning against the Rajasthan Royals after eight straight losses.

Now that Mumbai have gained the much-needed confidence, they will look to carry it forward in the next game when they face the Gujarat Titans on May 6 at the Brabourne Stadium.