Mahela Jayawardene’s Praise and Advice
Mahela Jayawardene, the esteemed head coach of Mumbai Indians, was all praises for Vignesh Puthur’s meteoric rise in his IPL debut. However, he emphasized that the talented left-arm wrist spinner should remain humble and reset his game from the beginning for the upcoming clash against Gujarat Titans.
Jayawardene highlighted Vignesh’s remarkable figures of 3/32 against Chennai Super Kings, crediting his skill set and mental fortitude under pressure.
The Road to the Big League
The decision to introduce Vignesh in a high-stakes match was built on his impeccable skill set and ability to stay calm under pressure. “He wasn’t fazed by anything we’ve thrown at him,” remarked Jayawardene, indicating the young prodigy’s readiness for big games.
Vignesh was always considered a strategic fit for Mumbai Indians, particularly after analyzing the pitch conditions in Chennai. Jayawardene revealed that the decision for Vignesh’s inclusion was part of a longer-term strategy, rather than a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Preparing a Young Talent
The nurturing of Vignesh began well before the IPL season, with a stint in Cape Town where he trained alongside celebrated spinner Rashid Khan. This was part of an intensive effort to prepare him to face the challenges of top-tier cricket.
Jayawardene advised fans to temper their expectations, reminding them of the unpredictable nature of cricket and the ups and downs all players face.
Status Update on Jasprit Bumrah
Commenting on star bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s injury, Jayawardene shared that there’s no set timeline for his return, as he is currently recuperating and following a dedicated program at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
IPL Strategy Insights
Jayawardene also addressed the recent trend of high-scoring IPL matches, expressing confidence in his experienced bowling lineup’s ability to adapt to different venues and challenges posed by varying oppositions.
Additional Team Updates
On a final note, Jayawardene mentioned that Arjun Tendulkar, who has been ill, is recovering and could be considered for upcoming games if needed.
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Read more about MI’s IPL strategy here.
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Last Updated: March 30, 2025