Despite being the most economical bowler for Mumbai Indians, Patel continues to be in the shadow of his more illustrious teammates <table style="width: 120px; height: 42px" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="120" align="right" border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img alt="" src="/imagedata/2011/apr/munaf1.jpg" border="0" /></td></tr> <tr> <td> Munaf Patel bowls during a Mumbai Indians practice session. Pic/Suresh KK</td></tr></tbody></table>Munaf Patel has always been that hidden figure in the background, be it with the Indian team or Mumbai Indians in Indian Premier League (IPL). The crowd does not cheer 'Munaf, Munaf' as they do for Malinga. The reason why Mumbai Indians' bowling has clicked is because they have a balanced attack. Lasith Malinga gives the early breakthroughs and Munaf controls the run scoring. The Baroda pacer is the most economical bowler (4.67), having conceded just 53 runs in four matches and taken three wickets. TA Sekar, Mumbai Indians' director of cricket, reckons it is time to hail Munaf. "He has always been the dark horse. Even in the World Cup victory, he has been an unsung hero. It is time we hailed him," Sekar told MiD DAY on the eve of their clash against Chennai Super Kings in the battle of IPL III finalists at Wankhede Stadium today. Smarter Sekar, who once coached Munaf at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai, reckons he has become smarter over the years. "At the moment he is handling the variations brilliantly and smartly varies his pace. He has matured with experience," Sekar said. He also feels Munaf has come of age, especially in T20s. "Playing with Shane Warne's team (in the last three IPLs) has done a whole lot of good to his bowling. He is the best against left-handers. He is coming of age," he said. "He may not anymore be the tear-away fast bowler he was once, but he is reasonably quick and also maintains a good line and length," added Sekar.

Despite being the most economical bowler for Mumbai Indians, Patel continues to be in the shadow of his more illustrious teammates

It's time to hail Munaf Patel

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It's time to hail Munaf Patel

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