IPL 2021: They Are Not Unplayable Wickets, But Are Good Competitive Wickets - Mahela Jayawardene
Published - 19 Apr 2021, 06:58 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 02:46 PM
Mumbai Indians head coach, Mahela Jayawardene says that it is not necessary to have batting-friendly pitches in T20 cricket, as even low-scoring matches are exciting. Mahela Jayawardene spoke of the nature of the surface in Chennai in the IPL.
In the 5 matches at Chepauk so far, the team batting first has won 4, and the other match won by the team batting second was on the last ball of the game. Hence, Mahela Jayawardene reckons the games have been competitive and entertaining despite not being high-scoring.
“Well I think it’s unfair to say that you need batting wickets in IPL, why is the tournament interesting is because every venue is different which makes it evenly contesting. Yes the wickets are slightly on the slower side but we have still seen scores of 150 or 160 in the last few matches,” Mahela Jayawardene said as quoted by Times of India.
“They are not unplayable wickets but are good competitive wickets. I think we have been consistent in our approach it is challenging but we have adapted pretty well. Sometimes we will make mistakes and that is part of the game,” he added.
We believe in ourselves that nothing is impossible: Mahela Jayawardene
The former Sri Lankan batsman asserts that a good team, such as themselves, doesn’t mind playing anywhere. The defending champions have won their last two games, after losing their opening encounter to Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The 43-year-old says that Mumbai has the capability to chase totals down in Chennai or defend at the Wankhede and that they always play with the never-give-up belief, as has been shown in their last couple of wins where the bowlers staged a brilliant comeback. Rohit Sharma’s team takes on Delhi Capitals on Tuesday.
“I am pretty confident that we can chase a target if we are asked to bowl first. We believe in that ability, it’s not just Chennai but in any conditions, it’s the same for us in Wankhede where it is easier to chase the totals down.
“We try and believe in ourselves that nothing is impossible but we can’t control the atmosphere or conditions. We can control our mindset and I know if we have to chase something down this the batting line up which can achieve the target,” the former Sri Lanka skipper stated.
