Mahela Jayawardene returns as Head Coach of the Mumbai Indians

Mumbai, Oct 14 (UNI) Mumbai Indians has announced the appointment of former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene as their Head Coach, a position he previously held from 2017 to 2022.

Mumbai Indians owner Akash Ambani said, “We are thrilled to have Mahela back as the Head Coach of Mumbai Indians. With our global teams having found their footing within their ecosystems, the opportunity to bring him back to MI arose. His leadership, knowledge, and passion for the game

have always benefited MI. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mark Boucher for his contribution over the last two seasons. His expertise and dedication were pivotal during his time, and has now become an integral member of the MI family.”

Jayawardene, Head Coach, said, “My journey within the MI family has always been one of evolution. In 2017, the focus was on bringing together a talented group of individuals to play the best cricket ever and we did very well. Now to return, at the same moment in history, where we look ahead at the future and the opportunity to further strengthen the love of MI, build on the vision of the owners, and continue to add to the history of Mumbai Indians, is an exciting challenge I am looking forward to.”

In 2022, Mahela became the Global Head of Cricket, overseeing the expansion of the expansion of MI’s global teams across different leagues, working with the coaching staff and delivering a trophy each – with MI (WPL), MI NY (MLC) and MIE (ILT20).

With each of these teams having a set coaching staff, who also coach multiple teams in the MI family mirroring the ethos, style of play and decision-making that elevate the cricket played by the MI OneFamily, Mahela’s role has now again evolved within the MI ecosystem.

“The adrenaline, everything is going to be exciting. Something I’m looking forward to. From the time you try and plan the squad. Obviously it is a big auction, so retention and then trying to build the squad. Sweating it out and being a part of that heartbeat of things happening out there at the Wankhede, or any other place,” Jayawardene said in a chat with Mumbai Indians.

There’s no doubt the same heartbeat would’ve been shooting through the roof in the IPL Finals of 2017 and 2019, with MI absolutely stretching every cell on the field to ensure the match didn’t slip away while defending an under-par total. And surprisingly, it’s those moments MJ holds dearest.

“The two championships that we won, 2017 and 2019, were unbelievable games,” he said.

“Both those games, we probably were not in it. The character the guys showed, the calmness, the decision-making, it was unbelievable, that fighting spirit. I still remember the joy in the dugout, guys running onto the field and enjoying that moment,” Jayawardene said.

“I obviously would stand still for a bit because those were new experiences for me and then for you to go through that in that situation is amazing. It’s tough but those are those finer moments. You win a lot of matches, but the championship games, being there, fighting for that last ball was amazing. I truly enjoyed those two wins because they were quite unique,” he said.

“Let’s face it, the last year was rather rough. Our fans, our Paltan, our lifeline, we know, are always by us, like a rock. They might be very vocal in support and disappointment, and that’s only because they care. And we’d have nothing else,” Jayawardene said.

“You saw how the emotions, the rollercoaster they had over the years. We are responsible for putting them through that,” he said.

“They are genuine fans. I know they write things on social media with that passion. They want a successful franchise. That is a part of being in a franchise. They are a part of that. We truly understand that. I know they are always going to support us as long as we show that hunger, passion and that value of playing for Mumbai,” Jayawardene said.

Kieron Pollard, the Wankhede Llord, and Lasith Malinga, the stump-shredding slingaa, two of Mahela’s trump cards as Head Coach in his previous stint, are now all set to join him as Batting and Bowling Coaches respectively. And Mahela’s excitement at having them by his side, plotting strategies all over again, is palpable.

“Lasith and Polly are two amazing individuals. They bring different aspects of the game. They bring a wealth of experience as well. They are true and true MI players. They’ve been here for many years and they have a huge passion to be a part of it and be successful again. I have watched them from outside, the last few years, how they operated. It was very nice to see that. Now I get to sit in the same room and strategise alongside them. I’m definitely looking forward to it, and yeah, it’ll be exciting,” he added.

Whether it was the growth of the then 27-year-old Suryakumar Yadav into the monster 360-dergree batter SKY we know today, or the transitioning of Hardik Pandya into beast mode, or the becoming of a young nippy bowler with an unorthodox action into the all-format legend that Jasprit Bumrah is today, he was there through them all, facilitating, overseeing, enabling.

Jayawardene replaced former South Africa cricketer Mark Boucher who was head coach for two years.

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