"We want that flexibility": MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene on Tilak Varma' role in IPL 2026
Mumbai, March 28
Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene has underlined the importance of flexible batting, pointing to Tilak Varma's evolving role as a major advantage ahead of their Indian Premier League 2026 opening clash against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Jayawardene said the team values players who can adapt to different situations and bat in multiple positions.
He noted that Tilak's role for India in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup reflects that adaptability, which aligns well with Mumbai Indians' strategy. During the T20 World Cup, Varma, who originally plays at the number three position, batted in the middle-order in the Men in Blue's T20 World Cup victory.
"Yeah, definitely. We want that flexibility. We've had that in the past as well. We've used that with Tilak, with Surya, with Hardik. So that will continue," Jayawardene said.
The Mumbai head coach added that having players capable of shifting roles depending on match situations provides a crucial edge in a tournament as competitive as the Indian Premier League.
He emphasised that Tilak's mindset and experience of floating across the batting order for India further strengthen the team's depth.
"Actually, what Tilak did with India as well is part and parcel of that. The mindset is that. So it is definitely a plus factor for us. That we have those kinds of guys who can play different roles, different situations," he added.
The three-time champions KKR will kickstart their IPL 2026 campaign against five-time champions Mumbai Indians in a clash of heavyweights at Mumbai on March 29.
Mumbai Indians squad for IPL 2026:
Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ryan Rickleton, Robin Minz, Raj Bawa, Raghu Sharma, Mitchell Santner, Corbin Bosch, Naman Dhir, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Allah Ghafanzar, Ashwani Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Will Jacks, Sherfane Rutherford, Mayank Markande, Shardul Thakur, Quinton de Kock, Danish Malewar, Mohammad Izhar, Atharva Ankolekar, Mayank Rawat.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Flexibility is key, but I hope they don't overdo it. Tilak was in brilliant form at number 3 last season. Constantly changing his position might disrupt his rhythm. Sometimes a settled role is better than too much tinkering.
Mahela is spot on! The World Cup win showed how important adaptable players are. Tilak played a crucial cameo in the semi-final coming in late. That experience is pure gold for MI. Excited for the season opener against KKR!
The squad looks balanced on paper, but the real test is on the field. Hoping the team gels well under the new dynamics. All the best, Mumbai Indians! Bring the trophy home. 🏆
Good strategy, but let's not forget the bowling. Bumrah and Boult are back, which is a huge relief. Batting flexibility is great, but matches are won by taking 20 wickets. Hope the bowlers are ready from ball one.
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