Mumbai Indians have struggled to get going this season and their latest loss came on Saturday against Chennai Super Kings. The Hardik Pandya-led side are no more in the contention for the playoffs, with fans questioning the performances of their star players, especially the likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma and Jasprit Bumrah.
MI’s head coach Mahela Jayawardene speaking after the match, specifically answered questions concerning these three top players. He refused to pin blame for the team’s poor show this season on top players.
Jayawardene said Suryakumar can find his rhythm back once he gets some runs under his belt.
“I don’t think his output is down; if he gets a few scores together I think he’ll find that rhythm. He played really well today for that period, really took on the bowlers in that phase. I think another couple of overs he could have been off for a really good score. Sometimes when things are not going your way it doesn’t fall in place; I think it was a pretty good shot went straight to the fielder. He’s definitely up for it, I think he’s in a good space, it just that hasn’t worked like the amount of times he’s got caught on the boundary this season with some of those shots. It’s just a matter of time but I think he himself is disappointed but just have to keep on working harder,” he said.
On Tilak, Jayawardene said the youngster is still learning how to approach his game in T20 cricket. He admitted there are some concerns about how he handles different match situations, but believes that will improve with more experience.
“Tilak Varma is also still learning and playing different roles that he’s been asked to play. T20 cricket is not that easy, I think the more he plays different situations he’ll understand what he needs to do… handling situations, being bit more proactive in thinking what we need to do in those situations is something he’ll find,” said Jayawardene.
MI’s bowling has been the biggest concern with Bumrah returning wicketless in most of the outings this season. However, the Sri Lankan legend said bowling is a collective effort and it it would be unfair to blame Bumrah alone.
“It’s not just Booms; it’s a collective effort from all the bowlers. When everyone’s working together and you’re picking up wickets here and there, that helps Bumrah to be bit more aggressive as well rather than doing a holding job. Everyone tends to have a slow season, but class is always permanent,” he said.
