Bowlers beware,says fired-up Flintoff

• There are players of different backgrounds and I’ve been spending this time getting to know others,making the guys comfortable and helping them out. Some of the Indian domestic players are superb and extremely talented.

How does it feel being the highest paid player here?

• (Laughs) I am enjoying the feeling of being the most-valued player in the IPL. I was a bit surprised,but the money will help me get my dream house back home,something big like the footballers,you never know. It’s been in the making for three months and the money is pretty handy. Hopefully,my coming in will add value to the team’s performance as well.

It’s been a while since Freddie the batsman has really fired.

• After coming back from injury,I have been bowling fine but I want to get some runs under the belt. I am feeling good about my batting,and hopefully,very soon,some bowler will have to pay. It may be the next game,you never know. I will play my natural,aggressive game and this format will help me go for my shots.

Does your big-hitting reputation add to the pressure?

• There’s some pressure because T20 looks like a cakewalk for people like us. There are expectations to perform every time I walk in to bat. Like I said,I am really feeling good and my batting position will really help me put everything away and go bang,bang.

With so many big-hitters around,who do you think is the player to watch out for?

• It has to be Sachin Tendulkar,he can attack any kind of bowling. He doesn’t play much T20 but he’s the one to watch out for. From England,I would say Owais is a very good T20 player and there’s Ravi Bopara.

Your views on Dhoni’s captaincy?

• He’s a great skipper and the results show that. I’ve not had much time to chat with him but he knows his job well and I am sure there’s more I will know in the coming weeks.

What’s your take on tomorrow’s match?

• Mumbai are a good team. They have players such as Sachin,Harbhajan,Bravo…it will a great contest. Hopefully,we will pull off a win.