What Challenges Does Boult Face in Evolving IPL Death Bowling?

New Delhi, April 27 (NationPress) Trent Boult, the prominent fast bowler for the Mumbai Indians, shared his insights on the changing challenges of bowling in the death overs during IPL 2025, noting that it is a challenge he has consistently focused on.

Boult holds the record for the most wickets taken in the first over in IPL history, with 30 wickets across 96 matches. Currently, he is just 11 wickets shy of Bhuvneshwar Kumar's 77 wickets during IPL powerplays. The 35-year-old speedster has surpassed his previous best by achieving six wickets in the death overs this season.

"It's a challenge and an area I’ve always worked on. My mantra has been to continually improve and never settle with my skills or performance. I’m constantly pushing myself to devise new strategies and plans. Nowadays, there are numerous batters—some of whom are completely unfamiliar to us—so staying on top of your game is crucial. Clarity is essential, and performing under pressure is what distinguishes the greats. It’s all about thorough training and being prepared for those pivotal moments," Boult mentioned during his appearance on JioHotstar’s series 'Gen Gold'.

The Kiwi pacer reminisced about his experience with the victorious 2020 Mumbai Indians team, where he claimed 25 wickets, including a Player of the Match award in the finals. He expressed, "What stands out to me is being in the bubble during COVID—staying in Abu Dhabi with an excellent setup while playing at the same venue. It was an unusual period, but that 2020 Mumbai Indians squad was one of the finest T20 teams I’ve ever been part of.

"The tournament sped by—we reached the playoffs, clinched the title, and it was an exhilarating experience. Many of those players are still around, so there’s potential for us to craft more unforgettable moments.

Over the years, Boult has played for teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Rajasthan Royals, securing two titles—first with SRH in 2016 and later with MI in 2020.

Reflecting on his early IPL days and his time with MI, Boult shared, "One of my most cherished IPL moments is from 2015 when I was selected to play in Hyderabad. I had idolized Dale Steyn as a child, and suddenly, I found myself sharing a dressing room with him. That’s the magic of the IPL—playing alongside individuals you never dreamed of meeting.

"When I transitioned from Delhi to Mumbai in 2020, I genuinely experienced the MI ‘One Family’ culture. I’ve always felt embraced, supported, and encouraged. They provided me the freedom to express myself and play my game. I feel incredibly lucky to be in this position."

He concluded by commenting on batters adapting to a more aggressive play style, stating, "Undoubtedly, a score of 300+ will be achieved in this tournament. The ball appears to be traveling further, although I like to think it still swings in certain regions of the country. From a bowling standpoint, the only silver lining is that batsmen are going hard, which opens up opportunities.

"If we concentrate on being precise, remain aggressive, and give it our all, bowlers will have their day eventually. That’s what the fans want to witness, and I’m confident there will be many viewers," Boult declared.