Mumbai Indians Coach Highlights Powerplay Struggles After Latest IPL Defeat

Mumbai Indians Face Powerplay Challenges in IPL 2025

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 8: Mahela Jayawardene, the head coach of Mumbai Indians (MI), acknowledged that the team's performance during the powerplay phase has been a major issue this season. Following a narrow 12-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Monday, MI has now recorded four losses in five matches in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Jayawardene emphasized the need for his players to be more 'ruthless' and to maintain their discipline before it becomes too late to turn their season around.

"The powerplay has been a concern for us, both with bat and ball. In recent matches, we have been conceding too many runs during this phase," Jayawardene stated during the post-match press conference.

He added, "We managed to take an early wicket today in the first over, but then they responded well, hitting some good shots, and we failed to adapt. These small margins matter, and they had a significant sixth over that really impacted us during the powerplay."

Statistically, MI has been the most expensive bowling team in the powerplay this season, allowing 10.36 runs per over while taking only six wickets in that phase. On Monday, Trent Boult provided a strong start by taking a wicket in the first over for a record 31st time in IPL history. However, the momentum quickly shifted as Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal capitalized on a 20-run over from Deepak Chahar, leading RCB to 73/1 in the powerplay, marking the second-highest score against MI at Wankhede and the fourth-highest overall in IPL history.

MI's batting order has also struggled early on. In their chase of 222 runs, they lost two wickets within the first four overs, finishing the powerplay at 54/2. This season, MI has lost ten wickets in the first six overs, the second-most in the league, trailing only Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) with 12.

"With the bat, we had a decent start but couldn't maintain it," Jayawardene remarked. "We lost those two wickets and had to consolidate, which cost us momentum. We had a few strong overs in between, but we weren't in the game during the first ten overs. The margins are tight in this competition, and we need to find our rhythm, which is a concern."

Currently, MI is positioned eighth in the ten-team points table, with their sole victory coming against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at home. Despite the team's struggles, Jayawardene expressed confidence in the players and sees no immediate need for personnel changes.

"I still trust the senior players and the team I have selected. They possess the necessary skills; we just need to be more ruthless," he stated.

He continued, "At times, we lose our discipline for one or two overs, both with bat and ball. This is something we must address."

"Losing can be tough. It leads to self-doubt. Introducing a new player in such situations might be even more challenging for them without experience. The seasoned players know how to handle pressure and remain mentally strong. We will rely on that experience and focus on uniting the team to approach the next game positively," he added.

In the match on Monday, MI found themselves in a precarious position at 99/4 after 12 overs. However, captain Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma revitalized the innings with a remarkable 89-run partnership off just 34 balls. Hardik was aggressive from the start, hitting Josh Hazlewood for two sixes and two fours, followed by back-to-back sixes off Krunal Pandya, racing to 32 runs off just seven balls.

"Most of our players are match-winners; we just need to find that consistent tempo," Jayawardene noted.

"Once we reached the 10th-12th over mark, we knew we could give ourselves a chance. I told Hardik to aim for three big overs, and he delivered. That shifted the momentum, and Tilak also started scoring well," he added.

"We were close but not quite good enough. The emotions were high for a moment, but we had to be realistic about not playing our best cricket," he concluded.

Jayawardene also addressed concerns regarding former captain Rohit Sharma, who continued to struggle with another low score, managing only 17 runs off nine balls before being bowled by a sharp inswinger from Yash Dayal.

"For right-handed batsmen, left-arm bowlers can be challenging," Jayawardene explained. "This has been a natural occurrence for many years. Rohit is working hard and is an experienced player, so I believe he will overcome this phase."

Since the beginning of IPL 2023, Rohit has been dismissed 22 times during the powerplay, the highest for any batter. Among those who have faced at least 180 deliveries in the first six overs since last season, Rohit has the lowest average of 27.90. His strike rate has improved from 130.72 in 2023 to 151.97 this season in the powerplay, indicating a more aggressive approach, which Jayawardene acknowledged.

"He was trying to provide us with a strong start and played some excellent shots," he said.

"[Dayal] bowled a good delivery, with late swing and fuller length, which breached Rohit's defense. After playing for so long, one must also credit the bowlers. I wouldn't read too much into this, but I am sure Rohit will work hard to improve," he concluded.