IPL 2021: Chennai wickets not unplayable, MI have adapted pretty well, says Mahela Jayawardena

Mumbai Indians have won two out of their three games in the ongoing IPL so far.

Mumbai Indians have bounced back brilliantly after losing the IPL 2021 opener | BCCI/IPLOne of the highlights of this year’s IPL is that all games are being played at neutral venues and no team holds the home advantage.

While the move has been criticised by many, Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mahela Jayawardena believes neutral venues in the IPL 2021 make the tournament more exciting and interesting.

The defending champions have played their three games at Chepauk so far, registering 2 wins and a defeat.

Chennai has produced low-scoring thrillers but according to Jayawardena, the wickets are not unplayable and MI have fared well because they have adapted pretty well to the conditions.  

"Well I think it's unfair to say that you need batting wickets in IPL, why is the tournament interesting is because every venue is different which makes it evenly contesting. Yes the wickets are slightly on the slower side but we have still seen scores of 150 or 160 in the last few matches," said Jayawardena while replying to a query from ANI.

"They are not unplayable wickets they are good competitive wickets. I think we have been consistent in our approach it is challenging but we have adapted pretty well. Sometimes we will make mistakes and that is part of the game."

"Every game is a challenge in Chennai because we are playing different teams and not just playing against CSK in Chennai, we are playing against different opposition, so we also have to adjust to different playing styles according to the teams," he opined.

Having the likes of Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard in their ranks, Jayawardena is confident that his side can chase any target in the cash-rich event.

"I am pretty confident that we can chase a target if we are asked to bowl first. We believe in that ability, it's not just Chennai but in any conditions, it's the same for us in Wankhede where it is easier to chase the totals down," he said.

"We try and believe in ourselves that nothing is impossible but we can't control the atmosphere or conditions. We can control our mindset and I know if we have to chase something down this the batting line up which can achieve the target," he further remarked.

Mumbai Indians will take on Delhi Capitals in their next match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday (April 21).

(With ANI inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 19 Apr, 2021

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