IPL 2020: ‘Today was the culmination of all hard work’ – MI coach Mahela Jayawardene after IPL triumph

IPL 2020: ‘Today was the culmination of all hard work’ – MI coach Mahela Jayawardene after IPL triumph

Mumbai Indians (MI) clinched their 5th Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy with a comprehensive win over Delhi Capitals (DC). With the win, they became the first team to win five titles.

On the all-important day of the final, DC had won the toss and chosen to bat first. However, Trent Boult wreaked havoc in the DC batting to reduce DC to 22-3 in 3.3 overs. Despite Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant involving in a rescue act to take their side to 156, the score did not prove to be enough.

In the chase, it was MI all the way as they came out all guns blazing. Quinton de Kock and Rohit Sharma got MI off to an explosive start. After de Kock got out to Stoinis, Rohit put on a good partnership with Suryakumar Yadav and the two seemed to be taking MI to an easy win. But Yadav got run-out after a mix-up with Rohit. Rohit however, continued batting well and got to a fifty and along with Ishan Kishan led his side to the IPL title despite losing his wicket later on.

‘We have had a good leadership group and great support group’ – Jayawardene

Mahela Jayawardene

Speaking at the post-match presentation about MI’s victorious IPL campaign, head coach Mahela Jayawardene said, “It was a tough tournament. There were a lot of superstitions about odd years. I have to congratulate Ricky and his team, they have had a great season and they were a tough opponent today. We had a great preparation, and we tried to manage them well and ensure they didn’t overdo or under do any of the work.”

The Sri Lankan then spoke of MI’s plans and ideas in the tournament. “Big-hitting has been in MI’s DNA for a long time. We have tried to bring in the touch play a little bit to balance it out. Credit to the management who bought into our ideas and that helped create history today. It’s all about helping the team preparation-wise and explain their roles to them. We have a good leadership group out there, and a great support staff who have helped them out. The boys have seen my not-so-soft side, but the group has worked off-season, and today is the culmination of all of the hard work,” he signed off.

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