Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mahela Jayawardene admitted that powerplay struggles with both bat and ball are becoming a serious concern. After MI suffered their fourth loss in five matches, a 12-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Jayawardene stressed the need for the team to be “ruthless” and avoid lapses in discipline.
MI have been the most expensive bowling side in the powerplay this season, conceding runs at an economy of 10.36 and managing just six wickets. Against RCB, despite an early strike from Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar’s 20-run sixth over allowed RCB to reach 73 for 1 in the powerplay. It was the second-highest powerplay total MI have conceded at Wankhede.
In their chase of 222, MI stumbled early, losing two wickets and finishing the powerplay at 54 for 2. They’ve now lost ten wickets in the first six overs across matches, second only to Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 12. Jayawardene noted that although MI started well with the bat, early dismissals disrupted momentum, and the team fell behind in the first ten overs.
Despite their struggles, Jayawardene backed the experienced players, saying fresh faces may not be ready for pressure situations. He highlighted MI’s fightback led by Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma, who added 89 off 34 balls, almost pulling off an improbable win.
Jayawardene also supported Rohit Sharma, who was bowled for 17 by Yash Dayal. He downplayed concerns over Rohit’s form, crediting the delivery and acknowledging Rohit’s efforts to provide brisk starts.
MI are currently eighth on the points table and face growing pressure to turn their campaign around quickly.
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