Former Sri Lanka great says former champions Kolkata know how to win matches and are good at executing plans as Gautam Gambhir and Co face Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede today
Lasith Malinga, Mahela Jayawardene
MI pacer Malinga during a practice session at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday. Pic/Suresh Karkera
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Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene described today's Indian Premier League opponent Kolkata Knight Riders as a formidable side. "They're a very good opposition. A very formidable unit and an experienced side. They know how to win matches and how to win championships," said Mahela on Saturday.
"They showed how clinical they were against Gujarat. We have to be very mindful of that. But we have to play to our strengths and we've got a very good team. Just go out and execute our game plans and have a good game," he said.
The team has been bolstered by the arrival of his countrymen, MI's long-time pace spearhead Lasith Malinga and all-rounder Asela Gunaratne after the T20 series at home against Bangladesh, but Mumbai will be without the services of another key batsman Ambati Rayudu who has a groin injury that he suffered while fielding against RPS.
Mahela Jayawardene
"Malinga and Asit have arrived, they will train today. Rayudu has had a scan. He's got a Grade 1 small tear (in the groin). We'll assess him after about 7-8 days," said Jayawardene.
MI coach defended the team's decision to drop spinner Harbhajan Singh from their IPL opener against Rising Pune Supergiant, saying it was a tactical move. "Bhajji wasn't dropped. It was just a combination. Tactically we decided first game, given the opposition, that's the way we wanted to go. Simple as that," he said.
Captains' wishlist
Rohit Sharma: Mumbai Indians
- In-form batsman Chris Lynn doesn’t continue to smash the ball
- Big-hitter Kieron Pollard troubles the opposition
- Hardik and Krunal Pandya perform with both bat & ball at Wankhede
Gautam Gambhir: Kolkata Knight Riders
- He carries on his good form with the bat
- Chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav continues to be economical
- Pacer Jasprit Bumrah doesn’t cause too many problems
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