The Mastermind of the team, the brains behind the beautifully executed plans, and the Mumbai Indians Head Coach Mahela Jayawardene, turns 44 today. His contribution to cricket itself while playing with the Sri Lankan national team is immense and post retirement, he has decided to give it all to the sport he loves by taking up the role of a mentor.

He managed to top his excellent international career with an equally impressive coaching stint, especially here at Mumbai Indians. How often have we cricket lovers wished to pick his brains about the massive knowledge he has!

Even since he became a part of the Mumbai Indians outfit in 2017, the team has been extremely successful and has found the sweet balance between working hard and working smart to achieve desired results.

The Sri Lankan legend has brought in methods of working that have helped every individual player give their best on the field too.

Setting goals, breaking jinxes and creating records

Ahead of the 2020 IPL final against Delhi Capitals, the MI Mastermind revealed how he had set individual goals for players through the season that helped the team as a whole. “There were a few goals and tasks set for the boys during the season. We keep ticking those boxes, it’s been brilliant!”

There was enough commotion before the start of the season about even years bringing MI back luck. Mahela’s constant reassurance about the team’s strength helped greatly in breaking that jinx. “We will prepare the way we have throughout the season, we’ll take it easy, do simple things and try to have some fun.”

Under Mahela, MI reached a high no other team ever had. It became the first team to win two titles back-to-back. This is a record the team will pride themselves on, and rightfully so!

The importance of teamwork

It is no secret that working as a team is the best way to put out a match winning performance. However, the fact that the Head Coach of the Men in Blue and Gold has vocalised this and assured the players that their individual numbers don’t matter as long as they’re helping each other better on field, is a quality that stands out in the MI outfit.

“Yes, we don’t have a purple cap, we don’t have an orange cap. But who cares? We’ve got this (the trophy)!” These iconic lines came on the day MI lifted the IPL trophy in 2019. Could the team ask for a more supportive coach?

What Mahela means to the team

Needless to say, for the support, motivation and encouragement he gives, Mahela is loved by one and all in the MI family. Players have often been vocal about appreciating the effort he puts to bring the team together and make it a special unit.

Surya says, “Our coach Mahela Jayawardene’s role was extremely important. He shared his experience with me about how he used to play during his days and that was very important for me.”

Bumrah calls him the “Strategy Man”, since he plans a lot for the team. Rohit also agrees, saying, “The last three or four years I’ve had with him here, I’ve understood that his planning and strategies are damn good!”

It is this understanding that allows them to bridge the gap between a player and a Head Coach, and have conversations as two cricketers instead, allowing youngsters to learn, grow and mature.

Mahela Jayawardene has been the hero from the sidelines, asking the team to believe when hope looked feeble, cheering them on when they looked on fire, and pulling them up to achieve targets they didn’t know they could. Wishing him a lot of good and some more great victories with MI for him, the team and the Paltan to cherish!