IPL 2026 – Mahela Jayawardene not worried by Mumbai Indians’ long wait for sixth title

“It’s about, it’s bigger than – yes, the IPL trophy is massive – but for us, it’s even bigger how we go about doing things. As long as we have the culture, the winning culture and doing that, I know that we will have enough trophies to celebrate that.”

For Jayawardene, maintaining a strong dressing-room environment is as important as results. “Having played the game for many years and being part of MI as well, it’s important having the guys ready, enjoying the game. And as a franchise, we cultivate that culture. So as long as we can tick those boxes, I know the results will come. We will have an opportunity again. So that’s what we’re going to fight for.”

“First one, it is an elephant in the room, but there is no way for us to prepare differently,” Jayawardene said. “I think I have spoken to the boys about it, the intensity being there for that first game. I think that is all we can control. That is what I have asked from the guys to go out and play good game of cricket at that high intensity. So other than that, I don’t see how else we could prepare because we pretty much prepare for each and every game the same way. But hopefully I can break that hoodoo.”

MI have four players – Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma and Jasprit Bumrah – who were part of India’s recent T20 World Cup-winning XI. Jayawardene acknowledged the challenge of resetting intensity levels for these players after the emotional high of such success.

“I think it was great to see that intensity, how they went about it. I mean, it’s a World Cup, it’s the best stage in the world. That adrenaline is something that is difficult to match. Hence why we gave them an extended period to take a break, spend some time with family, and then come back fresh, so that they know, ‘okay, it’s a different start, different set-up’. But they’re walking into a set-up they’re very familiar with.

“These guys have been with us for many years now. So it’s a much easier way for them to get into that groove. And it’s conversations that we had with them about getting to that intensity because the roles are slightly different to what they’ve had with the Indian team to MI. So having that understanding and getting them to lock into that. So it’s those lines that we’ve had the conversations over the last five, six days. They’ve had a couple of good practice games. They’ve been with the team, had good sessions. I’m pretty confident that the experienced heads will come to the fore.”

On Rohit Sharma, who last played T20 cricket over nine months ago, Jayawardene said he had no doubts about his preparation and mindset. Rohit spent extended time in the nets on Friday and Saturday, facing predominantly pace during MI’s training sessions.

“…there’s a transformation in Rohit. I’ve seen the commitment on his part. And he’s been training skills as well for a longer period of time. That is what is in his control, what he can do. And I’m pretty satisfied with what I’ve seen in the practice games and in the nets.

“The hand speed, the technique, everything. And then on top of that, he has his experience as well, playing 18 years of IPL on top of that. So I have no issues with that.”