Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya recovering 'very well' but availability not certain for KKR clash: Trent Boult

Mumbai Indians pacer Trent Boult is unsure regarding the participation of skipper Rohit Sharma and all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the team’s encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders on September 23. Rohit, who injured his knee in The Oval Test against England, and Pandya, who had a niggle, missed out the fixture against Chennai Super Kings, which Mumbai lost by 20 runs.

Boult confirmed that the duo is recovering well but could not confirm their participation in the upcoming game. “They are both recovering very well. In terms of their selection for the next game, I’m not too sure what’s going on there. But day by day, they are improving,” Boult said during a virtual press conference on the eve of their game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

“They are obviously two vital players in the XI for Mumbai. And we’re desperate to get them back. So, fingers crossed that they’ll be pretty good to go over the next couple of games,” he added.

Boult admitted that the team missed their skipper Rohit Sharma, in whose absence Kieron Pollard led the side. “He [Rohit Sharma] is right up there in terms of experience and runs achieved in this format. So, it was a big hole but it was a good decision to make sure he is 100 per cent with the amount of cricket coming up. “If he comes to the eleven, it will be brilliant, but we want to make sure he is 100 percent fit,” said Boult.

IPL is the best build-up for T20 World Cup: Trent Boult

Regarding Kolkata’s historically underwhelming record against Mumbai, Boult said the history won’t have as much role to play.

“It is more about starting afresh, every game is such a big game, every match is important now. History is history, it is nice to have previous results against them, but they are a quality side and we would not take them lightly,”

Boult further stated that the IPL is the the best way to prepare for the coming T20 World Cup, which is scheduled in UAE and Oman between October 17 to November 15.

“You could probably not have any better build-up to the tournament like the T20 World Cup. The focus is on what’s on for the next couple of weeks, but in terms of preparation, it is very good. “Conditions can change quite quickly but having to deal with the heat and humidity is a big challenge at this stage. It is going to be interesting to see how conditions move over the course of the next few weeks,” said the left-arm pacer.