IPL 2017: Jos Buttler is the most destructive batsman in the world, says Mumbai Indians' Parthiv Patel
Unlike in previous seasons, Mumbai Indians have managed to peak early in the Indian Premier League this year. Registering six wins out of eight, MI have cemented themselves as a force to be reckoned with. But not everything is hunky-dory.
Opener Parthiv Patel, so far, has had an arduous time in converting his starts into big scores. The southpaw has managed to score just 169 runs in his eight matches thus far. But Parthiv isn’t losing any sleep over his form, choosing to focus on the team’s performance instead.
“I think it’s been very good, obviously winning six games out of eight has been fantastic. The start has been really good but I think it’s about time that we try and get bigger starts, it will help the team more, but yes, it’s been a good start to the tournament,” he told reporters at a Kingfisher event on Wednesday.
Parthiv’s opening partner, Jos Buttler, meanwhile, has been in fine form. The duo – Parthiv and Buttler – are the second-most successful opening pair in this IPL. On an average, they’ve managed to add close to 38 runs every match and Parthiv explained why, together, they’ve been so effective.
“We gel well together off the field as well and we enjoy batting together in the middle. It is showing, the way we’ve been playing. It suits the both of us, we complement each other well.”
“He likes to get going from the get go and I like to take 5-6 balls so it allows me to settle down a bit. He’s probably the most destructive batsman in the world that I have ever seen, it feels great to be batting with him,” he added.
Despite being table toppers, Parthiv reckons nothing has been achieved yet and that they need to keep their heads down and continue producing good performances like they’ve been doing so far. Mumbai Indians have a four-day mini-break before they play Gujarat Lions on Saturday. The 32-year-old also shrugged off suggestions that his team have only been good on home soil.
“See this is a much-needed break for us, we’ve been on the road for quite some time. We’re confident but obviously, we’re not going to be complacent about where we are. We have to go out and perform every game and respect our opponents and play to our potential.”
“Winning six out of eight, we didn’t play all of them at home. We played some outside as well. We don’t worry about where we’ve won, irrespective of that, it’s only a matter of seeing that we execute our plans,” he said.
Asked about why Mumbai Indians have been far more consistent this year as opposed to previous seasons, the 32-year-old credited his team’s bowling attack and the diversity they possess in this department.
“Irrespective of the wicket, we have a proper, balanced bowling attack, we have six bowlers who can bowl four overs, whether it’s a green wicket or spin. Plus, our batting is clicking, that is the reason why we are at the top of the table,” he signed off.