IPL 2020: Zaheer Khan reveals Mumbai Indians' strategy behind picking Trent Boult and Dhawal Kulkarni

IPL trade window was in its full swing before it came to an end last Friday. The franchises were involved in trading some players in order to make their teams strong ahead of the upcoming season. But, one team that hogged the spotlight was Mumbai Indians (MI) after picking  Dhawal Kulkarni and Trent Boult. And, now Zaheer Khan, MI’s director of Cricket Operations has revealed the reason for behind picking the two pacers.

Kulkarni marks his return to his former franchise after playing for Rajasthan Royals in back to back seasons. Also, Trent Boult, who played for Delhi Capitals in 2019 IPL will be seen wearing the Blue jersey of Mumbai Indians in the upcoming season.

Injury concerns to bowlers led to picking Boult and Kulkarni

On Monday, MI took to their Twitter handle and shared a video in which Zaheer Khan was spotted revealing their strategy for the upcoming season and why they have picked two pacers after having a long line of up fast bowlers.

He feels that the team will have to face some challenges due to the injury to their regular players like Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Jason Behrendorff. So, it was a major concern because of which they have opted for the duo in the recently concluded trade window.

“We have had some challenges in terms of injuries. Hardik Pandya to start with has had back surgery. (Jasprit) Bumrah has been out of action with back issues and Jason Behrendorff also has had back surgery. That was one of the concerns and the trades were a reflection of exactly what was the planning for the upcoming season,” Zaheer said in the video.

Zaheer also recited that MI have always gone with some exciting domestic talent in the previous seasons. But, in this season that cycle will come to its end. However, according to him, the team-management will have their eye on the players that are being released by other teams in order to make a strategy for the upcoming auction.

“In terms of domestic talent as well, it has been a trend with MI that we have been spotting and going with domestic talent. But this is going to be the end of the cycle as well. The release list is out so we will have to keep an eye on which are players released from other teams and what are the options so yes that process should start very soon now,” he added.

Here is the video

What was the idea behind bringing Boult and Kulkarni to #MumbaiIndians?

🗣 Find it out from our Director of Cricket Operations, @ImZaheer!#OneFamily #CricketMeriJaan pic.twitter.com/i8FbXLOjf7

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) November 18, 2019

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