Death bowling needs to improve: Munaf Patel

Munaf Patel

Out-of-favour Indian pacer Munaf Patel thinks that the ineffectiveness of the Indian bowlers in the death overs is the reason behind the team’s dismal performances in overseas conditions. However, he came to the defence of the bowlers when asked about the new changes in fielding restrictions, which permit only four fielders outside the circle.

Munaf Patel said: “When you bowl in slog overs, you need to know what is the kind of delivery you are going to bowl and the area because a lot of runs are conceded in the slog overs. In the last few months and last few series we have been giving away a lot of runs in the slog overs and perhaps because of that Dhoni said that bowlers need to use brains.”

On how vital is Zaheer’s presence to the young bowlers, he said: “It makes a lot of difference. If you make a mistake and Zaheer is around, he tries to help and rectify it. The presence of a senior player on the ground is very important.”

He did not support the new ODI rules: “No bowler in the world will agree to these things (rules) because batsmen like the rules that are made against the bowlers and bowlers like those which are made against the batsmen. We are not happy, but whatever rules the ICC (International Cricket Council) makes, we have to follow them,” he said.

He is also hopeful of making a comeback into the national squad. He said: “It may happen. I am working hard. It is up to the selectors, if they feel a person is capable, they select him… I am working hard, let’s see what happens.”

He is happy to perform well for whichever team that buys him in the IPL 2014 auctions, which is to be held on February 12 and 13. The bowler who has represented Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians in his IPL career, so far, said: “They (Mumbai Indians) could retain only five players and they retained their best five. There are eight franchises and whoever picks me in the auction, my job is to perform well and play for the team and help them win. I will try that.”

He said that he is working hard on his fitness and is focusing on domestic matches. “This time I have worked hard on my fitness. I have spent a lot of time with the trainer and bowled a lot. I worked very hard before the domestic season, and even now I am working hard. I will try to play in the upcoming domestic matches.

“Right now I am playing in the PSPB tournament (representing ONGC), after that there is Corporate, Ranji ODI trophy and T20. I will play in the short formats and try to perform well in them,” he concluded.