South African stalwart Klusener, who is part of Mumbai Indians' coaching staff, says Kieron Pollard and Andrew Symonds will hurt Deccan Chargers in today's IPL clash
South African stalwart Klusener, who is part of Mumbai Indians' coaching staff, says Kieron Pollard and Andrew Symonds will hurt Deccan Chargers in today's IPL clash
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The hardest striker of the cricket ball during the 1990s and early 2000s is now sharing the dressing room with two of his finest descendants. Lance Klusener, who is part of the Mumbai Indians coaching staff, expects Kieron Pollard and Andrew Symonds to make an impact during their clash against Deccan Chargers today.
"It's nice to have that sort of ammunition down the order. Both are equally capable of accelerating at any given point, both are genuine match-winners. "It also suits the balance of the team as both can do a bit of bowling. It's a wonderful feeling to share the dressing room with them, I would have loved to bat with them at the other end," Klusener told MiD DAY on the sidelines of the team's net session here at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
With Robin Singh (head coach), Jonty Rhodes (fielding coach) and Shaun Pollock (mentor cum bowling coach) already a part of the well-heeled support staff, Klusener's addition has further bolstered the Mumbai Indians.
"I am thoroughly enjoying my role with the side. Primarily, I help out the bowlers along with Shaun (Pollock).
Also, I'm helping some of the young batsmen come through, guiding them as much as I can," he said.
"It's a long competition, so it is important that a lot of the guys who don't get a chance to play are in the right frame of mind.
"I try to focus on the guys who don't get a chance to play as much, by getting them ready for a match situation. Basically, I am working with the guys who are not on the park," said Klusener.
It maybe recalled that the former South African all-rounder was a part of the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL), and had seen Ambati Rayudu (who was also a part of ICL), from close quarters during the time.
Klusener reckons the T20 format had evolved drastically in the last three-four years. "People have started to work out what works and what doesn't in this format, depending on the wicket," he said.
"They are also becoming familiar with the grounds, and hitting through the line has become a lot easier.
"Coaches will think about each and every game in a different way because of these factors. The unpredictability that was there in T20s is now diminishing," he added.
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