IPL 2019 | Collective performances reason behind Mumbai Indians’ success, says Mahela Jayawardene
IPL
Mahela Jayawardene has stated that Mumbai Indians have managed to fire collectively which is the major reason behind their success. The Mumbai Indians head coach has stated that every member in the squad is clear about their role and picking the team is not a very difficult option.
One of the reasons Mumbai have mastered over the years is to use Moneyball concept to perfect use and have rarely been affected by emotion. That came together this season as they bought Lasith Malinga back after having him as the mentor last season for the simple fact that he had worked on his fitness and rediscovered his bowling rhythm.Â
Mayank Markande couldn't quite replicate his form this season, but they brought Rahul Chahar to the team and that proved to be a good decision as he produced crucial breakthroughs in the Powerplay as well as middle overs. Suryakumar Yadav had a patchy start to the tournament but peaked against Super Kings in the first qualifier to help Mumbai reach the final. These are the crucial decisions that they have taken in the process which eventually reaped dividends and Jaywardene believes that it makes the support staff job easier.
"Finding different match-winners is something we spoke of at the beginning of the season. It takes pressure off key players as well - otherwise, they are going to a game under pressure. Whereas when you have six-seven guys to win a battle for you out there, it gives you opportunities to win matches. That's something we realised you require in such a tournament. And playing home and away as well - different conditions suits different players. Another factor is that opposition also finds it difficult to plan or have an idea how we approach different games because different guys are actually performing. I've always believed that teams wins championships, individuals can win you matches, but you need a good group and team to win championships. That's something we've tried doing,” Jayawardene said, reported Cricbuzz.
"It's important we trust a group of players and we identify the guys who are performing and who are in form and once you're transparent about that everyone understands what's the best XI and they pick themselves quite easily. Mayank started the season, but we felt Rahul was bowling much better and his rhythm was better. So, we went with that option. Same with Lasith .
While Jasprit Bumrah has grown in stature and has become probably the best bowler in the world at the moment, Lasith Malinga’s experience has come in handy for them, especially in pressure situations. Jayawardene lauded the pacer’s performance and added that there was a clear process behind the decision-making.
"Last year, Lasith was injured and not in great form. This year we thought he was back in form and would be a good foil for Bumrah because at the back end lots of teams are leaking runs in that department. So, we want to have experience there. So, it's a collective decision. It's not an easy one, but as long as you're honest and there's a process behind the decision-making, things become easier and that entire group understands that and that's transparent. That has helped us become consistent over the years and that's been a part of the success as well as they come out and play fearless cricket in that environment."
