Credit: MI
Mumbai Indians (MI) coach Mahela Jayawardene attended a press conference prior to his team’s game against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Mumbai played their maiden game of the competition against their arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 23 and lost by four wickets. MI’s captain Hardik Pandya couldn’t feature in the game as he was serving a one-match ban for slow-over rate, which was pending since 2024. In the regular skipper’s absence, Suryakumar Yadav held the reins of the side.
Pandya will play for MI against his former team Gujarat Titans (GT) and he will be expected to showcase his best to help his team bounce back after the defeat against the Yellow Army. In 2024, MI brought back Pandya as captain from Gujarat. The move didn’t go well with GT supporters and MI fans who wanted to see Rohit Sharma continue as skipper. In Mumbai’s opening 2024 match against Titans in Ahmedabad, Pandya was booed heavily.
Ahead of the game between both sides again at the same venue, Jayawardene said fans have moved forward from last season’s animosity. He also wondered how fidelity matters in the cash-rich league. "I think it is just a game of cricket. Fans are fans, and emotions are a part of the game. It is true that everyone has moved beyond that, but it is amazing to see how loyalty works, even in IPL, which is fascinating to see," remarked Jayawardene in the press meet before the GT versus MI contest.
Jayawardene highlights Hardik Pandya’s sensational performances for India
Jayawardene emphasised Pandya’s excellent run in international cricket in the last 12 months. He also cited his contribution to Team India’s back-to-back success in ICC competitions. The 31-year-old looked efficient as an all-rounder for India in both T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025.
"Twelve months on, he's achieved a lot more, and I hope that people will see beyond what happened last year. I hope that we can enjoy a good game of cricket," added Jayawardene on Pandya.
