With a convincing 81-run victory over the Lucknow Super Giants in the Eliminator, MI is now just one step away from the IPL summit clash, where they will face the defending champions, the Gujarat Titans, in the second Qualifier on Friday to determine the opposition for the Chennai Super Kings in the final on Sunday.
Green expressed his satisfaction with the team’s progress, particularly after their initial struggles. He mentioned that even captain Rohit Sharma had acknowledged MI’s tendency to start slowly.
“Obviously, all the experience that he (Rohit) has gained for India and in the IPL, he kind of knows. I think MI never won the first game of IPL, and he tries to mention that to us,” Green shared in an interview with Star Sports.
“We obviously had a slow start, but you want to start peaking at this time of the year. You don’t want to be playing good cricket and slowing down now but peaking at the right time,” added Green, who contributed with 41 runs and two crucial run-outs in the LSG innings.
Green highlighted the importance of batting alongside Suryakumar Yadav, stating that it was the easiest job in the world. He emphasised the strategy of getting Yadav on strike and capitalising on loose deliveries.
“I think it’s probably the easiest job batting with him. You’ve got to get him on strike, that’s the plan. And if you get a loose ball, you hit it,” said Green, who has scored 262 runs and taken six wickets, acknowledging Yadav’s exceptional batting prowess.
Looking ahead to the upcoming match against the Gujarat Titans, Green praised them as the best team in the IPL so far, acknowledging their strong performances and comprehensive approach to the game. He highlighted the impressive form of their opening batsmen and the effectiveness of their spin twins, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed. Green acknowledged that the Titans would pose a tough challenge but expressed optimism and confidence in his team’s abilities.
“They are a tough team, but we will go there with all optimism,” he stated.
As MI prepares for the crucial Qualifier match against the Gujarat Titans, Green’s contributions with both bat and fielding have been instrumental in the team’s journey so far. With his positive mindset and belief in the team’s ability to peak at the right time, Green aims to play a vital role in MI’s pursuit of their sixth IPL title.
(With inputs from PTI)
