Mahela Jayawardene : No advantage from injury concerns to other teams

04/03/2017

Coach Mahela Jayawardene has rejected the notion that Mumbai Indians have an advantage because other teams have been weakened as a result of injuries to major players. The Sri Lankan also said that playing in different countries had helped him become a better all-round player.

Several teams have been weakened even before a ball has been bowled in the IPL. RCB have lost Virat Kohli for the start of their campaign while KL Rahul has been ruled out for the whole season. Pune will have to play without star all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin while Ravindra Jadeja, Murali Vijay and Umesh Yadav are not fully fit ahead of IPL-10.

“I don’t think MI will have an advantage. Not really I think. It’s unfortunate that a number of players are carrying injuries. It has happened to MI in the past. It’s part of the whole equation,” Jayawardene was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

“The good thing about IPL is that there are other quality players and they will get an opportunity now. All these players come with 100 % confidence. I don’t think it is an advantage for MI.

India started the IPL and it has helped its young cricketers play with international players and learn the game much faster

“What we have to make sure is play the best cricket we can. It’s going to be a tough season because of the Champions Trophy that will be played soon after the IPL final."

Apart from the Sri Lankan national team and in the IPL, Jayawardene has also played all around the globe with different teams. Jamaica Tallawahs, Adelaide Strikers and Karachi Kings are just some of the teams where the 39-year-old displayed his tremendous talent.

"I think playing around the world in different conditions do help. (Playing) a number of games and all that, but coaching is a different role altogether. I think I need to step back, and let the players play," Jayawardene told Cricbuzz.

"Try and make sure that the preparation for them for each and every game is done. And to give them the freedom to go and express themselves. Tactically we will discuss a lot of things behind the scenes.

"We've got a great support staff to help me out. And we'll give them as many ammunition as possible to go out and execute. It's very exciting to have a very talented group of players to work with."

Stokes is a genuine all-rounder and he will do something special

Jayawardene, who played county cricket in England, said that he was not surprised that the ECB finally decided to start its own Twenty20 league.

“Everyone has realised that there is big potential in the Twenty20 league. There are two sides to it; there is a commercial value to it and then the development of young cricketers coming through," the stylish batsman said.

“India started the IPL and it has helped its young cricketers play with international players and learn the game much faster. Their development has been proved at international level.

“Australia has gone in the same direction. David Warner played Twenty 20 before he played Test match cricket. England is going in the same direction, I think Twenty20 cricket is there to stay. It’s a question of taking a decision of how much does one need…I think the fans will decide that.”

Mumbai were keen on buying English all-rounder Ben Stokes in the auction and appeared to be favorites before derby rivals Pune bagged Stokes for Rs. 14.5 crores.

“We had a certain budget. He is a genuine all-rounder and he will do something special. But I am satisfied with the MI team..we have a healthy squad going into the first game. Coaching is a different role altogether. I would step back and allow the players to take over,” Jayawardene said.

Mahela Jayawardene : No advantage from injury concerns to other teams

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