Mumbai, March 28: Mumbai Indians’ head coach Mahela Jayawardene has expressed strong confidence in captain Hardik Pandya’s leadership and his improvements in the game. The team is set to kick off its IPL 2026 campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29.
In a statement released on the Mumbai Indians’ website, Jayawardene reflected on his first meeting with Pandya in 2017, noting, “He was young, had raw talent, and a lot of energy. This is something I have always liked about Hardik. His energy towards the game remains the same today. He has a deep connection with cricket and talks about it passionately. Having been with Mumbai Indians for eight years, it is incredible to see his development as a leader, his understanding on the field, and how he has improved—he is perhaps one of the best all-rounders in white-ball cricket.”
Discussing the challenges Pandya faced during his ten-year career due to injuries and workload, Jayawardene stated, “Although Hardik faced injuries later on that affected his body, especially since he was also playing Test cricket, he had to manage a lot to handle the workload. Now he understands this, and we have a defined way to manage his workload. It is crucial to manage a player when they reach such an important stage in their career.”
He further added, “His skills and dedication to work remain tremendous. Whether in training or during and after the season, he continues to focus on his fitness. It is pleasing to see how he has improved as a person and a player.” Jayawardene mentioned that selecting the playing eleven for the season’s first match and maintaining depth in the team is challenging. He emphasized the need for good options within the team to accommodate injuries or different situations, noting that having experienced players is also beneficial for the team.
Under Pandya’s captaincy, Mumbai Indians made a strong comeback last season, securing a playoff spot, although they faced defeat against Punjab Kings in the second qualifier. The five-time champions will aim to reclaim the trophy this season.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
