Ahead of Sunday's Indian Premier League (IPL) final against Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), Mumbai Indians (MI) coach Mahela Jayawardene said his team is aware that it has to play better cricket in the final than it did in Qualifier 1 .
“Yes, we did get a wake-up call in the first play-off when we lost to Pune. But, at the same time, it also helped us to regroup and come up with a good team effort (to beat Kolkata Knight Riders to qualify for the final). I am really glad that the guys have put their hands up when the team looked upto to them,” he explained.
“We tried to be consistent right through this edition. Definitely, have mutual respect in the final. Like (Stephen) Fleming said, it is all about going out and enjoying and playing good game of cricket. Whatever is the plan, have back-ups, get everything right and hope to have one good day tomorrow,” the Mumbai Indians coach said.
“Well, the pitches at different venues have posed different challenges. What is important is that we adapt to the playing conditions that are on offer. Can’t have a pre-mindset (sic) about a wicket,” he commented.
MI captain Rohit Sharma said that it has been a great team effort so far.
“We certainly did not have an individual brilliance(s) but players at different levels (took) up the responsibility in all departments of the game to help the team cross the line at different stages of this edition and reach the final."
"It is great that they all have taken it up as a challenge whenever they were given the chance. So we are not worried about key players not delivering consistently,” he added.
“Personally, I am not thinking as a captain aiming for a third title-triumph in the IPL. I would simply like to play the kind of cricket that is expected of us and not think too much about this. We have to focus on the job on hand,” Rohit observed.
“I must stress about the contribution of Mahela who has been part of different franchisees over the years. As I said at the start, his experience is the key to our success. He understands what a team needs whether it wins or loses. (He) makes sure he keeps us calm and don’t get excited,” Rohit pointed out.
“Yes, we (do) not have great history against Pune. They played quality cricket. But, hopefully tomorrow we make sure we are better. (We) have to concentrate on the process,” the Mumbai captain said.
“I do feel toss is important but definitely don’t feel that your planning has to change according to whether you win or lose the toss. Sometimes unexpected things do happen. This is a neutral venue, conditions different for both teams. We learnt from our mistakes (in the earlier losses against Pune),” he remarked.
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