Mumbai Indians are all set to play their second consecutive game at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi as they face KKR in the reverse fixture.

With MI on a four-match winning streak, the atmosphere within the team has been quite positive. A victory will not only take them to the top of the points table but also consolidate their qualification chances for the playoffs.

Mahela Jayawardene addressed the media at the pre-match press conference. The Head Coach shared his thoughts on our good start into the tournament, coming back after a four-day break and the pace bowling trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, and James Pattinson.

How do you review this season so far?

Mahela: “The start was a little wobbly in the first game. We played good cricket but didn’t have that clinical instinct to finish it off. The second game was much better against KKR. In the third game again, we showed inconsistency in certain departments but it was a great game as we came back in the game from nowhere and pushed it to a Super Over. Ever since then, we have been very consistent in trying to improve in all departments. After seven matches we have ten points and two losses and one of those losses being a Super Over. So overall as a coach, I’m happy but there are areas where we can keep improving because the tournament is always going to get tougher at the backend.”

Mumbai Indians never start-off with such a good campaign. Are you at some kind of ease as a coach and what was the specific aspect you guys looked at to get the campaign off in such a way?

Mahela: “As a coach, you’re never going to be at ease in a tournament like this. It was something that we were conscious of. The start of the tournament where we’re always slightly slower, then you get into the stride and claw your way into the tournament. We knew the guys were in good form and prepared well but it’s all about getting into that awareness, intelligence, handling situations out there in the middle, try to get them to understand the conditions quickly enough, and adapt. So I think that’s where we came back strongly after the first few games where we learned a lot quickly on how to play in Abu Dhabi, which is going to be our main venue having to play eight games there. That has been the key, players understanding how we need to adapt to changes, what are the situations that they’re going to be in, and winning those bigger battles out there in the middle. I think so far, I’m happy the way the guys have responded to that.”

Mumbai Indians have got the momentum and riding it well. Could this also be a concern of losing the momentum considering the breaks we had?

Mahela: “I think when you’re playing in these conditions, especially the first half of the tournament, the temperatures were very high and the humidity level. So having a few breaks in the middle always helps. That was a good option for us to regroup, get the guys fresh and going. You can say that you might lose a little bit of momentum but after a four-day break, we came back and won a game as well. So, I think the players understand and they are responding well to the challenges that we propose to them mentally and physically. So having the break is always good but sometimes it can be an issue when you’re having a good run. It stops that momentum but I think that’s something we will talk about and make sure that the focus is there. We approach every game with the same mindset. The next 3-4 games will be very crucial in this competition and we’re looking forward to that.”

You, Shane Bond, Zak (Zaheer), and Rohit have created a wonderful leadership team here in Mumbai Indians so if you can take us through this think tank and what works for you guys? What is the individual strength you guys bring into the planning and execution?

Mahela: “It’s just not just the start of the tournament. I think this goes back to when we go into the auction and get players. The sort of people that we need to set up a skeleton in the team and responsibilities that goes along with that, all those things being spoken and planned about. Not just the four names that you mentioned but there are so many people involved in that. The franchise owners, everyone has to be on the same page when we’re setting it up. Once that is done, We at the management level try and force those leadership roles among the group and getting them to take responsibility. Every day, we keep reminding the boys to try and make sure that they adhere to that. But I think over the years because we’ve kept the same core group of senior players who understand their roles in the team. It’s been very easy for us from season to season to make sure that we evolve and we improve on those features. The new players who we have into that skeleton are the ones who we need to keep an eye on and make sure they understand what we’re trying to do. So it’s a great challenge to have and something that we’ve realized that, once you create a culture within a group, it’s quite easy for everyone to come in and adapt to that.”

A lot of players are waiting in the wings. There’s Chris (Lynn), Nathan (Coulter-Nile), Saurabh (Tiwary) many of them. It’s probably a good headache to have but as a coach how difficult it is to keep them motivated?

Mahela: “As I said earlier, we create that culture within the group. Everyone understands that there are players who are going to go out in the middle. The other guys are as important as anyone else in that group because they are the ones who keep the guys on the field on their toes. These are good players who we got on our bench. At any given time, they are ready to go out and perform. It makes a healthy rivalry within the group. It’s a good healthy competition and we just monitor everyone’s attitude and focus. Whether they are prepared for every game and depending on that, we might make certain changes. Whether we feel they are not physically capable or mentally fresh, we will make those rotations. We will make sure that we manage those workloads. That is one of the reasons we have got a lot of good players on the bench ready to go at any given time. I think what we try and do is keep them fresh and prepared, not push them too much or let them relax too much. It’s a two-month tournament. It’s not a big ask for these professionals and just to make sure that they are at the top of their game and also the communication between the management and the players. Trying to figure out any issues and resolve them before it can be a problem for the group.”

The pitches are slowing down and spinners are expected to get a bigger role. Could there be a rethinking for playing three specialist pacers going forward?

Mahela: “It’s something we need to see how it will evolve. Last year as well, we made that adjustment at the backend of the tournament when we played in certain pitches that were suited for spinners. I cannot say that right now because I still think the fast bowlers have a bigger role to play in this competition whether it’s powerplay, middle overs, or at the backend. So trying to keep that balance as long as they are making contributions and penetrating the opposition batting line up. It doesn’t matter what kind of surfaces we play on because of the quality of the fast bowling that we have, we’re always going to create opportunities. We got a couple of very good spinners who are operating right now within the playing XI. There are a couple of guys in the wings who we might look at given certain positions and matchups or if the condition suits, but right now I’m quite happy with the combination that we have, seeing the way they have operated.”

What’s your review of James Pattinson coming in place of Malinga and how the management brought him into the Mumbai Indians scheme of things?

Mahela: “There were quite a few names that we’ve discussed. But, Rohit was the one who put his hand up and said he will be someone who will add value to the attack. He brings pace, accuracy, throws that hard ball, and has that wicket-taking ability which we always look at. Malinga is a death bowling specialist. It was always going to be tough to replace a like-to-like match for Lasith so how do we compensate for that. Just try and get someone who is going to create opportunities up front and in the middle by picking up wickets. So that’s where Jimmy’s name came up and he was the one. I think at the end of the day, Captain is the one who has to take those guys out to the middle, and as long as he has got confidence in each guy he’s got in the squad, that’s important for us. Jimmy hasn’t let us down. From the day he arrived to the way he trained and understood the role we wanted him to do with the team, he adapted well and formed a really good partnership with Boulty and Boom. These three guys have been good. So far it has been brilliant and I’m really happy to have him in the squad. He’s a great guy and happy to have him in the work of things.”

If you were to pick up one area to work on in the squad, what would that be?

Mahela: “Something that I have always kept pushing is the energy levels out there. We’ve been very good but it’s an area that I always feel is a controllable thing. I know the performance with the bat and ball is skill dependant and some days, guys will not be at that same level that they want to be. But energy level especially on the field, creating that environment, atmosphere, and intimidation of presence out there in the middle is something that I’m always pushing to get better. Yes, they’re good but I’m not going to be satisfied. So in each game, that’s something that I’m going to keep pushing for.”