With the series between India and England coming to an end, the focus now shifts to IPL 2021. A subset of the Men in Blue have already started training, and the fans cannot wait to see how they prepare for the big tournament. 

Mumbai Indians’ Director of Cricket Operations, Zaheer Khan, hosted a Twitter Space session to answer some questions, both from the Mumbai Indians management and the fans to a bunch of avid listeners. 

“We are away from the fans, but they’re always close to our hearts” 

“It is exciting as always. The biggest cricketing festival - the IPL is here. And the great news is that IPL is back in India, and that is something everyone is looking forward to. With the new normal, we still have to be away from the fans, but they’re always close to our hearts.” 

“Looking forward to the season and all the cheer they bring to us in different ways despite not being in the stadiums. There are always ways to stay in touch using technology. We have done so previously and will continue to do the same." 

“Everyone understands the importance of sticking to these protocols” 

"Given the pandemic, you have to take precautions. While most athletes have adapted to life in the bio-bubble, many have been vocal about the mental fatigue around following protocols in quarantine. 

But necessary precautions have to be taken before entering the bubble, like quarantine and testing. Everyone understands the importance of sticking to those protocols. It also makes the bubble life more fun and stress-free." 

“Our team is like har Indian ki family” 

"It’s a cluster caravan format this year. First, we fly to Chennai, then Delhi, followed by Bangalore and finally Kolkata. So in these four cities, we are hoping to connect to fans here. Our team is like har Indian ki family, so we are hoping to grow our family starting with these four cities. 

We want to have a passionate bond with them, understanding how the locals support their teams and hoping to make new fans on the way too." 

“What sets MI apart is its culture of encouraging every individual” 

"Every team's goal is to win the IPL and keep getting better. But what sets MI apart is the culture, the culture of family and encouraging each and every individual to have the freedom of expression during the season. 

Not only the players, but their families are also part of the huge community that MI is, having a good time together as the season goes along. It is a journey we embark on every season and everyone looks forward to it." 

“We’ve kept up with the tradition of finding young talent” 

"It is always great to see when someone new joins and adds something to the squad. We are really looking forward to having Marco in the team. He’s an exciting young talent, very tall, able to add extra bounce and subsequent variations, and can contribute with the bat as well. He’s going to add that dimension to our side. 

Yudhvir was part of the support team last year as well, in UAE. We've kept up with the tradition of finding young talent and backing them to evolve as cricketers." 

“It’s a proud feeling to see your players do so well for India” 

"It's always a proud feeling when your players are representing India at the highest level and have performed this well. Surya has been waiting for an opportunity for a long time, Ishan has been playing well and Krunal making an ODI debut after a fantastic Vijay Hazare Trophy outing was great to see. 

All these players are exciting talents. As cricketers, you always want to play at the highest level and in some way, IPL has enabled the same for these players. Our team has been very happy to provide them with a platform to grow. When you see your players go ahead and do well at the highest level, it gives you a lot of satisfaction as a franchise." 

“Surya grabbed his opportunity with both hands” 

"One thing that stands out with Surya is his consistency. He is someone who has worked really hard and deserved the opportunity. At times, as a cricketer, you’ve got to wait around for your opportunities with patience. He managed himself very well and people have also supported him, telling him to continue the good work. 

It showed in his approach and he started the way he did. It was his dream coming true, a long wait coming to an end. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands and his knock showed how determined he was to make the most of it." 

“Passion for the game is the fuel to succeed” 

"The basic attribute to see in a youngster is his passion for the game. It acts as a fuel to learn new things, express freely and succeed. It is important that when you’re playing the game, you be proactive on the field, on the lookout to learn the game as it unfolds on the field. 

The coaches and the support staff are always there if the individual needs help. It is on the individual to go out there and own that space and believe in the hard work you’ve put in to get there." 

“Hardik’s energy on the field is contagious” 

"Hardik is a true X-factor player. He can play with the bat, the ball and in the field, his energy is contagious. He is always running around and wants to be there where the action is, which is the greatest strength he has. 

His game has evolved undoubtedly. But just the way he approached the game is really commendable." 

“It’s about treating the team and the fans as One Family” 

"There is something in our approach where both us and the squad drive each other to be better. Every season, we go out there and enjoy what we do - enjoying each others’ company and each others’ success. 

It’s about treating the team and the fans as one family. Every individual in the setup thrives on that One Family energy and that has been the true ingredient for our success." 

“Bumrah is always looking to add things to his bowling” 

"Jasprit Bumrah’s journey started when John Wright brought him into our setup and since then, his progress has been phenomenal. He’s a keen learner and always wants to add things to his bowling. 

As a bowler, I’ve always believed in thinking about the game and planning ahead to keep the batsmen on their toes. As a bowler, you’ve to stay on top of the battle between the ball and the bat, and that has been Bumrah’s strength and adding variations to set up the batsmen. 

I always look forward to conversations with him about the same." 

“It is always about adapting to situations” 

"Our team was picked based on playing at the Wankhede. But we will be playing a lot of games in Chennai, instead. This happened last year too when we played in foreign conditions in the UAE. It is always about adapting to situations, so we do not have a problem playing at four different pitches. Even in the 2019 season, we’ve had our away wins in Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, etc. Our boys have always done well in those kinds of challenges." 

“We have a good bunch of spinners with us” 

"We have some great spinners in our squad. Rahul Chahar is someone who has been very good as a ball and growing. He is on the journey of understanding what works for him and what doesn’t. 

Along with the experience of Piyush Chawla and Jayant Yadav, Rahul will become a better bowler. So, we have a good bunch of spinners with us. Krunal is also very handy in picking wickets and I'm sure both will do a great job as a spinner." 

“Rohit knows how to soak in that pressure” 

"Rohit has been very good at understanding how the game is unfolding. He knows how to soak in the pressure, given the pace of a T20 game. Over the years, the key highlight of Rohit's captaincy is that he understands his options, keeps up with the speed of the format and knows how to manoeuvre his resources. 

When he became the captain back then halfway through the season, he responded well. He is a keen learner and it's important to be a student of the game through and through. With that attitude, you always evolve and understand the details of the game. He’s grown to be phenomenal and can take those crucial calls on the field better." 

“I have always enjoyed bowling with the old ball” 

"If I had to pick between Zaheer the new ball bowler and the old ball bowler, I’d pick the latter. I have always enjoyed bowling with the old ball. The ball doesn’t stay new for a long time and nowadays, the new ball doesn’t swing much as well. 

I’ve always embraced the challenge of playing with the old ball, especially in Test matches, because the wait can get very long - 80 overs - to get to the next new ball, if you don’t know how to play with an old one." 

We want the bond with the fans to grow stronger 

"Fans will be an integral part of us. Even when we were far away from them in the UAE, we had one wall dedicated to the fans. It is for everyone to appreciate and know that even though they aren’t coming to the stadiums, they’re there. 

We will find ways of staying connected with our supporters and fans. It will be amazing if we can have ideas from them on how they can be more involved and closer to the team. If anything, the bond with the fans needs to grow stronger." 

“Waiting to see players in their new jerseys” 

"Every year, we keep adding things to a new jersey. And the journey of coming up with the new one is exciting and enjoyable. The training kit is exciting too, with a bright neon orange added to it. 

The kit looks athletic too, and I can’t wait to see the players in their new jerseys." 

“Our squad is our family” 

"I am looking forward to the excitement of the season, to interact with all the players and the families, the get-togethers we have and the dressing room atmosphere. It’s really special to be on this journey together. 

Our squad is our family and it is growing every year. The support we have for each other always stands out, ensuring more enjoyment and excitement through the season."