Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene said that the team is aware that it has to play better cricket in the final against Rising Pune Supergiant on Sunday.
On the eve of the final here on Saturday, Jayawardene said that it was imperative for it to make sure everything goes right.
“We got a wake-up call in the first playoff when we lost to Pune. At the same time it also helped us to regroup and come up with a good team effort [against Kolkata Knight Riders to earn the berth in the final]. I am really glad that the guys have put their hands up when the team looked up to to them,” he said.
“We tried to be consistent right through this edition. We hope to have one good day tomorrow.
“The pitches at various venues have posed different challenges. What is important is that we adapt to the playing conditions that are on offer. Can’t have a pre-mindset about a wicket,” added Jayawardene.
Great team effort
Team skipper Rohit Sharma too made a note of the great team effort so far.
“We certainly have not had brilliant individual performances but players at different levels have taken the responsibility to help the team cross the line at different stages of this edition and reach the final.
“It is great that they all have taken it up as a challenge whenever they were given the chance,” said Rohit.
“So we are not worried about key players not delivering consistently.
“Personally, I am not thinking as a captain aiming for a third title-triumph in the IPL. I would simply like to play the kind of cricket that is expected of us and not think too much about this. We have to focus on the job on hand.”
Praise for coach
He also lauded Jayawardene’s efforts saying, “I must stress about the contribution of Mahela, who has been part of different teams over the years. His experience is the key to our success. He understands what a team needs whether it wins or loses.”
On the losing streak against RPS, Rohit said, “Yes, we do not have great history against Pune. They have played quality cricket. Hopefully tomorrow we make sure we are better. Have to concentrate on the process.
“I do feel toss is important but definitely don’t feel that your planning has to change according to whether you win or lose the toss.
“Sometimes unexpected things do happen. This is a neutral venue, conditions different for both teams. We have learnt from our mistakes (in the earlier losses against Pune),” he added.
