IPL 2020: Mumbai Indians' Coach Mahela Jayawardene Impressed With The Way His Side Has Adapted To Various Conditions

Mumbai Indians’ head coach Mahela Jayawardene has taken the team to another level since taking over the role in 2017. Mahela Jayawardene ushered Mumbai Indians to the third title in IPL that year and followed up with a fourth one two years later. Ahead of the clash against Kolkata Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi, he believes that adapting to various conditions quickly has been the key.

With five wins and ten points in their kitty, Mumbai Indians are second in the IPL 2020 points table and look primed to make it to the playoffs again. They overcame Delhi Capitals by five wickets in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, handling a strong bowling attack with ease. The defending champions look one of the most settled sides in the tournament, boasting of plenty of match-winners across departments.

Mahela Jayawardene underlined that understanding and getting hold of the conditions have been vital and having to play in Abu Dhabi, where Mumbai Indians will play eight games. Hence, acclimatising to the conditions and fathoming their roles have been critical. The head coach revealed being happy thus far the way the side responded to the same.

“Trying to get them to understand the conditions quickly enough and adapt so, I think that is where we came back strongly after that first few games where we learned quickly how to play in Abu Dhabi which is going to be our main venue, having to play eight games there. That has been the key, players understanding how they need to adapt change and their role identification as well. So far, I’m very happy with the way the guys have responded to that,” Jayawardene told ANI News.

“As a coach, you are never going to be at ease in a tournament like this” : Mahela Jayawardene

The former Sri Lankan skipper further said that coaches could never rest in a competitive tournament like IPL. He cited the concerns about players being slow at the start of the competition; however, had faith that they had prepared well. Nevertheless, it was about awareness and execution of the skills according to the situations in the middle.

“As a coach, you are never going to be at ease in a tournament like this. Yes, something we were conscious about the start of the tournament where we were slightly slower and then got into the stride and claw your way into the tournament. We know the guys were in good form and they prepared well but it is all about getting into awareness and handling situations out in the middle,” the 43-year old added.

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