Pollock feels adapting to conditions will be the key

Former South African strike bowler and Mumbai Indians’ mentor this year at the Indian Premier League, Shaun Pollock, feels that adapting to South African pitches and conditions will be vital for bowlers to succeed in the upcoming IPL.

The Indian Premier League begins in two days and the Mumbai Indians will miss the services of their strike bowler from last year, Shaun Pollock. However, Pollock will still retain his presence in the Mumbai franchise as he is now their mentor, helping the players enhance their performance.

The Mumbai Indians finished fifth at last years inaugural event, missing out on a semi-final spot, after losing out to Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab in crucial games at the end of the tournament.

The IPL has been shifted to South Africa this year after security concerns in India.

Shaun Pollock believes that bowlers will need to adapt to the nature of South African pitches fast, if they have to succeed in the IPL.

"It will be just as big a challenge as we faced when we went to India for the first time. It will require the bowlers to adapt a little," Pollock was quoted as saying to news24.co.za.

The star South African bowler said that he was confident about Mumbai Indians faring better this year because of the presence of some seasoned campaigners in their squad.

The Mumbai Indians boasts some of star batsmen which include the likes of veterans Sanath Jayasuriya and skipper Sachin Tendulkar, along with new signings Mohammad Ashraful and Proteas batsman JP Duminy.

It also has some experienced bowlers like India’s Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh as well as Kyle Mills and star all-rounder Dwayne Bravo.

The Mumbai Indians will play the opening match of the tournament against Chennai Super Kings on Saturday.