Mumbai, March 28: Mahela Jayawardene, the head coach of Mumbai Indians, has expressed strong confidence in captain Hardik Pandya’s leadership and the improvements in his game. The team is set to kick off its IPL 2026 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29.
In a statement released on the Mumbai Indians’ website, Jayawardene shared, “I first met Hardik in 2017. He was young, brimming with raw talent and energy. This is what I have always admired about him. His enthusiasm for the game remains unchanged. He has a deep passion for cricket and often discusses it. Having been with Mumbai Indians for eight years, witnessing his growth as a leader, his on-field intelligence, and his evolution into one of the finest all-rounders in white-ball cricket is remarkable.”
Discussing the challenges Pandya faced during his ten-year career, particularly due to injuries and workload, Jayawardene noted, “Hardik has dealt with significant injuries that have affected his body, especially since he has also played Test cricket. He has had to manage his workload carefully. Now, he understands this better, and we have a structured approach to handle his workload. It is crucial to manage a player at such an important stage in their career.”
He added, “His skills and dedication to training remain impressive. Whether during training or throughout the season, he consistently works on his fitness. It’s gratifying to see how he has improved as both a person and a player.” Jayawardene acknowledged that selecting the playing eleven for the season opener and maintaining depth in the team is challenging. He emphasized the importance of having multiple strong options to adapt to injuries or varying circumstances. The presence of experienced players also benefits the team significantly.
Under Pandya’s captaincy, Mumbai Indians made a strong comeback last season, securing a playoff spot, although they faced defeat against Punjab Kings in the second qualifier. The five-time champions are once again aiming to clinch the trophy this season.
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