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MI Breaks 13-Year Opening Game Jinx as Jayawardene Hails Mental Breakthrough

Mumbai Indians secured their first IPL season-opening victory since 2012 with a six-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene revealed the long-standing streak was a frequent topic in the dressing room, making this win a significant mental breakthrough. The successful chase of 220 was powered by a fearless opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton. Jayawardene praised Rohit's focused preparation and the duo's tactical handling of the bowling attack.

Key Points: MI Ends 13-Season Opening Game Losing Streak, Says Jayawardene

  • First opening-game win since 2012
  • Victory breaks 13-season streak
  • Rohit Sharma scores 78 off 38 balls
  • 220-run chase anchored by top order
2 min read

'We got close in the last 13 seasons, delighted to break the streak,' says Jayawardene as MI end opening-game hoodoo

Mumbai Indians finally win an IPL season opener after 13 years. Coach Mahela Jayawardene calls it a mental breakthrough after victory over KKR.

"We got close to winning in each of the opening matches in the last 13 seasons but we never managed to successfully get over the line. - Mahela Jayawardene"

New Delhi, March 30

As Mumbai Indians have finally shed one of the IPL's most curious streaks, head coach Mahela Jayawardene revealed that the long-standing hoodoo had remained a recurring theme within the dressing room, making its end as much a mental breakthrough as a statistical one.

A six-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday marked MI's first opening-game victory since 2012. Since their last opening-game win in 2012 against Chennai Super Kings, MI went on to build one of the most dominant franchises in IPL history, collecting five titles along the way.

"Not winning the first match of a new IPL season after 2012 was something that we always talk about in the dressing room. We got close to winning in each of the opening matches in the last 13 seasons but we never managed to successfully get over the line," Jayawardene told JioStar.

"I think this win over KKR was a great execution. I got a bit nervous when KKR got to a score of 220, but the wicket was pretty decent to bat on and Rohit-Rickelton's fearless batting ensured that we didn't suffer any hiccups. I'm very happy with the win and delighted to break the streak of losing our first match in a new IPL season," he added.

The chase was anchored by an aggressive approach at the top, with Rohit Sharma leading the charge alongside Ryan Rickelton, as Mumbai refused to let the required rate spiral. Their intent effectively neutralised what could have been scoreboard pressure, turning a potentially tricky pursuit into a statement of authority.

Praising Rohit Sharma's batting performance of 78 (38) as well as the partnership he shared between himself and Rickelton who made 81(43), Jayawardene opined, "Rohit joined us from the first day of the camp. He was very focused and fresh. He played some good matches and practice games and had match simulations. I was quite happy the way he was hitting the balls, I thought he batted brilliantly.

The way Rohit-Ryan handled the opposition bowling attack,it was good to see on a tactical point. It was a great partnership and long may it continue. If you look at last season, Rohit-Rickelton did well for us at the top of the order and they were solid. The way they complimented each other was great."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, it's fascinating how a mental block like this can persist even for a champion team. It shows cricket is played as much in the head as on the field. Great chase, though KKR's bowling looked a bit flat.
A
Aditya G
The partnership between Rohit and Rickelton was the key. They didn't let the required rate climb, played fearless cricket. If they keep this up, MI's top order is going to be a nightmare for every bowling attack. Palti phod di! 🔥
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Karthik V
While the win is fantastic, let's not get carried away. It's just one match. The real test is consistency and how the middle order performs when the openers fail. The bowling conceded 220, that's a concern that needs addressing.
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Priya S
So happy for the team! This streak was such a weird stat for a 5-time champion. Feels like a weight off their shoulders. Rohit bhaiya's form is a great sign for the T20 World Cup too. 🇮🇳
M
Michael C
Interesting to hear the coach admit it was a mental thing they talked about constantly. Breaking that psychological barrier with such a dominant chase must be incredibly satisfying for the whole squad. Well played, MI.

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