1:28 PM IST: Rohit Sharma - "We need to be careful and mindful of what we do until this is over."

Mahela Jayawardene - "Back home in Mumbai and over the world, I would request all fans to stay safe. It's important that we all follow the guidelines. Looking forward to see you again."

1:25 PM IST: Mahela Jayawardene - "We've planned for every situation. Even in the group when we're doing certain activities, we're doing that with maximum precaution. Despite being in a bio-bubble, we haven't taken anything lightly."

Rohit Sharma - "For us as role models, we want to send the right message across to our people back in India. We do understand how important sports are in India."

1:20 PM IST: Rohit Sharma - "It's a good sign that the youngsters want to take up responsibility. From my side, it's just about giving confidence to them. We will do everything to make sure that they're in their comfort zone to come out and perform."

1:18 PM IST: Rohit Sharma - "We all know because of the conditions and weather here in UAE, the wickets will dry down. Having played the Asia Cup here a couple of years back, I certainly experienced that there was a lot of difference between how the pitch behaved in the first and the final game. With the IPL to be a long tournament, the slowness of the pitch is going to be a factor. Even the seamers will have assistance, there will be some reverse swing and we have got some quality in our bowling who can explore that. We have got good variety in our bowling attack, so we can use it depending upon the conditions and opposition."

1:16 PM IST: Mahela Jayawardene - "Generally the pitches will assist most of the spinners and Krunal Pandya will be a big part of that. Of course, we have Rahul Chahar and Jayant Yadav. We have signed up Prince Balwant Rai and Anukul Roy as well. All the spinners are in contention. There's no added pressure on them. They will definitely be more effective in these conditions and we are confident about the group of bowlers we have."

1:14 PM IST: Mahela Jayawardene - "Bumrah has been training really hard even during the quarantine period. After the IPL, the Indian side will be playing a Test series so we will try and maintain that workload for him. For the IPL, he's definitely ready. Bumrah being a professional has looked up himself very well during quarantine period and is very eager to perform."

1:12 PM IST: Mahela Jayawardene - "Both the Pandya brothers have been fantastic for MI. They bring a lot of energy to the group. Hardik has been coming off injury so we have to be mindful of that but he's looking very good in the nets. Even Krunal too. As a finisher, we have used him in different roles in the past. We look forward to do the same."

1:10 PM IST: Rohit Sharma - "For us, it's important that we focus on what we need to do as a team rather than wasting and spending time on thinking about what's happening on the other side. CSK is probably one of the successful teams. You can't take them for granted. They will come out all guns-blazing. None of us have played cricket for a lot of months now so ovbviously everyone wants to start on a high. We just need to focus on ourseleves and cover all bases."

1:00 PM IST: Rohit Sharma - "I will be opening the batting this season."

Mahela Jayawardene - "Having options is great. Rohit and Quinton compliment each other really well at the top and both are very experienced cricketers. Why would you fix something that isn't broken. Lynn of course is a great addition to the squad."

12:55 PM IST: Rohit Sharma - "It's hard to fill Lasith Malinga's boots. He has been a match-winner for MI. I have said this many times, whenever we have been in trouble, he has always been there. Unfortunate that he isn't a part of our squad. We've got guys like Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pattinson, Mohsin to replace him. What Malinga has done is incomparable. But the guys who are coming in don't need to carry much baggage and perform according to the role."

12:50 PM IST: Mahela Jayawardene - "Going out and executing and pushing yourself is important. We have some highly skilled cricketers but going out and performing is important. The guys have been working really hard over the last two weeks."

Rohit Sharma - "The team and thought process is totally different from the 2014 squad in UAE. I think we did well when we came back to India. The past performance won't play much part. Only myself, Pollard and Bumrah were a part of the squad. We want to put up a good performance and start well."

12:45 PM IST: Mahela Jayawardene - "Lot of the guys have trained even in their countries. The match preparations are key. We had a couple of practice sessions as well so the bowlers are looking very sharp."

Rohit Sharma - "It's going to be a different IPL. We were mentally prepared for it. Finally that we're here we know the restrictions and aware of the protocols set by IPL and Mumbai Indians. A lot of credit goes to team management."

Welcome to the MI Pre-Season press conference. Skipper Rohit Sharma and Head Coach Mahela Jayawardene will be taking questions at 12:30 PM IST. Stay Tuned.