"In IPL, every home team is a challenge": MI head coach Jayawardene ahead of clash against DC
New Delhi, April 3
Mumbai Indians are set to clash with Delhi Capitals in the second group-stage match of the Indian Premier League 2026 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday and the MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene believes that every home team in the IPL is a challenge.
Speaking to the media on the eve of the match, the former Sri Lankan batter said the DC are also playing their first match in Delhi, and the conditions will be similar for both sides.
"It should be a good match. They are a very good team. In IPL, every home team is a challenge. First game for them here as well, so that's probably a slight advantage for us," said Jayawardene during the press conference on Friday.
Mumbai Indians won their first match of the season after chasing down a formidable target of 221 to defeat Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The last time MI won the first match of the IPL season was 14 years ago, back in the IPL 2012 season.
MI registered a dominant six-wicket victory over KKR. Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma helped the Mumbai Indians secure their biggest run-chase in IPL history. The chase required something special, and Mumbai's openers delivered exactly that.
Rohit Sharma (78 runs off 38 balls), along with Rickelton (81 runs off 41 balls), dismantled the KKR bowling attack. The duo added a century stand.
Jayawardene stressed the need to focus on playing the best cricket and sticking to the strength of the team.
"We are still trying to stick to our strengths, and that's what we have been doing. We have to see things differently, as per the conditions. We'll prepare the best we can. We respect every opponent, and we will try to play our best cricket," said Jayawardene.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Jayawardene is right to be cautious. Delhi's home crowd can be a real 12th man. But after that historic chase, MI's confidence must be sky-high. Should be a cracking match.
Respectfully, I think the coach is downplaying the advantage. DC hasn't played on that pitch yet this season, while MI just had a high-pressure game. That experience counts for a lot. Still, hoping for a close contest!
The real test is consistency. One great win is good, but can they keep it up? IPL is a long tournament. Sticking to their strengths, as Jayawardene says, is the key. Excited for Saturday!
Rickelton was a revelation! That partnership was pure fire. If the middle order can step up when needed, this MI team looks very dangerous. Delhi Capitals, your turn to face the music!
Classic coach talk – respectful but confident. The "slight advantage" comment is a nice bit of mind games before the match. The Arun Jaitley pitch can be tricky; will be interesting to see how both teams adapt.
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