Jayawardene Says MI Can Beat Any Team, Urges Ruthlessness for Victory

Mumbai Indians’ (MI) Global Head of Performance, Mahela Jayawardene, believes that his team has the quality and depth to defeat any team in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, he emphasized the importance of being more “ruthless” in key moments to turn good performances into consistent wins.

In a recent interaction with the media, the former Sri Lankan skipper shared his thoughts on MI’s performance so far this season. While he expressed satisfaction with the talent and potential within the squad, Jayawardene also pointed out areas where the team needs to improve, especially in high-pressure situations.

MI’s Mixed IPL 2025 Campaign So Far

As of now, MI has had a rollercoaster journey in IPL 2025. While they have shown flashes of brilliance in several matches, they have also struggled to maintain consistency. Some games were lost despite strong starts, which has been a concern for the team management.

Speaking on the team’s progress, Jayawardene said:

“We’ve played some good cricket, but we haven’t been ruthless enough to finish off games. That’s something we’re working on. The potential is there — MI can beat any team on our day — but we need to be more clinical in execution.”

You can read more about MI’s match stats and schedule on the official IPL website.

Strength in Squad Depth and Young Talent

One of the key strengths of Mumbai Indians this season has been their deep and talented squad. MI has always been known for investing in young Indian talent and combining it with experienced international players. Jayawardene praised the team’s blend of youth and experience, highlighting how it provides flexibility in different match situations.

The likes of Tilak Varma, Nehal Wadhera, and Dewald Brevis have all impressed with their performances, while senior players like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav continue to lead from the front.

Jayawardene noted:

“The squad we’ve built allows us to adapt. Whether it’s playing aggressive cricket upfront or stabilizing the innings after early losses, we have the resources. It’s about execution under pressure.”

The Need for a Ruthless Attitude

Despite their talent, MI has let a few games slip out of hand — often due to lack of killer instinct in the final stages. Jayawardene’s comments reflect a growing concern that MI needs to close out games more effectively.

He emphasized the importance of being ruthless, especially when the team is ahead in the game:

“In T20s, momentum shifts quickly. We have to dominate when we’re in strong positions and not give opponents any chance to come back. That ruthlessness is what makes championship-winning teams.”

This sentiment resonates with MI fans who have seen the team win five IPL titles — the most in league history — yet falter in recent seasons due to inconsistency.

Rohit Sharma’s Role and Leadership

Former captain Rohit Sharma continues to play a crucial role in the team, even after stepping down from the leadership position. Jayawardene praised Rohit’s experience and calmness, which remain assets to the side.

“Rohit brings immense value with his experience. Even without the captaincy, he’s mentoring the younger players and helping shape our strategy.”

The leadership baton has now passed on to Hardik Pandya, who returned to MI after a successful stint with Gujarat Titans. Pandya’s aggressive style complements the team’s strategy, but Jayawardene believes both captains contribute in their own way.

Jasprit Bumrah: MI’s Trump Card

Another key factor in MI’s strength is Jasprit Bumrah, who has returned in full rhythm this season. His ability to bowl in the death overs and pick up key wickets makes him a valuable asset for MI.

Jayawardene spoke highly of Bumrah’s impact:

“Jasprit is world-class. His presence gives us control at the back end of innings. When he fires, our bowling unit looks much stronger.”

Cricket analysts at ESPNcricinfo have also praised Bumrah’s performances, calling him one of the best T20 bowlers in the world.

Building Momentum for the Playoffs

With the tournament entering a crucial phase, Jayawardene believes MI needs to build momentum and learn from past mistakes. The team’s focus is now on winning every remaining match to ensure a place in the playoffs.

“We’re approaching every game as a final. The goal is to qualify for the playoffs, but also to carry strong momentum into the knockouts.”

MI has a history of peaking at the right time. In past seasons, they’ve turned around poor starts with incredible winning streaks. Jayawardene is optimistic that the team can do it again — provided they stay focused and ruthless.

Fans Expect More from MI

MI fans have high expectations, especially after their disappointing performances in the previous couple of seasons. On social media, fans continue to voice their opinions, asking for a more aggressive and dominant approach.

Jayawardene acknowledged the importance of fan support:

“Our fans are our backbone. They’ve stuck with us through ups and downs. We want to give them something to cheer about and live up to the MI legacy.”

What’s Next for Mumbai Indians?

MI’s upcoming fixtures include high-voltage matches against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). These matches will be crucial in determining whether MI makes it to the playoffs.

The team is likely to stick with its core combination, but Jayawardene hinted at some tactical changes if needed:

“We’ll do what’s best for the team. If changes are required based on opposition or conditions, we’re ready for that.”

Conclusion

Mahela Jayawardene’s belief that MI can beat any team reflects the confidence within the Mumbai Indians’ camp. However, his call for more ruthlessness is also a reminder that talent alone isn’t enough. Execution, consistency, and hunger to win are what separates good teams from great ones.

As the league moves toward the business end of the season, all eyes will be on Mumbai Indians to see if they can step up and reclaim their dominance in the IPL.