As a finisher, my job is to make sure that my team gets over the line: Tim David

Mumbai, 15 April 2023: The Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders match at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday will be a special occasion as it will be MI’s annual ESA game. The initiative is dedicated to a very special cause this year: the girl child.

MI got their first win of the season in their last match against Delhi Capitals, with finisher Tim David remaining unbeaten at the end with all-rounder Cameron Green. David said the win was a good one because the conditions were tricky.

“As a finisher, my job is to make sure that my team can get over the line. That’s the responsibility for me and my role. Chasing the other night was tough, they bowled really well in the last couple of overs. It was great to have that partnership in tough batting conditions with Greeny and get us over the line,” David said.

He said the win will act as a big confidence boost for both him as well as Green, who is playing in the IPL for the very first time after having tasted success for Australia in international cricket.

“Knowing how much confidence I got from that innings, I’m sure it would be more so for Cam. It’s his first couple of games in the IPL and that can be different and an eye-opening experience. He is a well-regarded player internationally and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do for us this season.”

After batting at three in the first two matches, Green batted lower down in the last match and David said that MI will look to have a flexible middle order right through the tournament.

“It actually wasn’t planned. The way we line up is that we actually go with whoever is best matched for that situation. We have a very powerful middle order. As a team, we have spoken about being really flexible and we are all prepared to play our roles for the team.”

When asked if playing the finisher role at a highly successful franchise like Mumbai Indians brings extra pressure, David said that he himself sets high standards for himself and only measures himself against those.

“I think it’s my own expectation. I want to ensure that we win as many games as possible as a middle-order batter you have to be adaptable to that position. Polly did it for a long time for this team and nobody is going to be able to replace him. I have to do it my own way when I’m playing in that position, whether it is by hitting sixes and taking down bowlers or scrapping to get over the line in a close game.”

Mumbai Indians will face Kolkata Knight Riders at 3:30 pm on Sunday.