IPL 2025: Mahela Jayawardene backs MI on opting to bat first vs GT in Eliminator

Mumbai Indians secured a 20-run win over the Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator of the IPL 2025 season at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh on Friday, May 30. They will next take on Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2 on Sunday, June 1.

After opting to bat first, Rohit Sharma was impressive, scoring 81 runs in 50 balls with nine fours and four sixes as Mumbai Indians scored a daunting total of 228/5 in 20 overs. In reply, the Gujarat Titans could score only 208/6 in 20 overs. Sai Sudharsan was impressive with his 80-run knock off 49 balls with 10 fours and a six. 

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene has backed the team for opting to bat first, despite dew playing a major factor in the second innings.

“We felt that batting first against GT is the right call. We played tactically. The way we batted, the tempo was great and we put runs on the board. The early wicket of Shubman was a massive one. Everything was going to plan, but halfway through, I saw the dew coming in,” Mahela said at the post match presentation.

“We couldn't get our grip. Planning-wise, we changed our plans to ball yorkers as much as we could because the length balls were skidding through. The variations were not happening. I think it was a tough last 10 overs for us, but the experienced heads held together & we executed brilliantly,” he added.

Furthermore, Jayawardene stated that the winning mentality and the attitude in the squad was the reason behind their win. Notably, MI had a poor last few overs of the game in GT’s chase as dew played a major factor. However, Bumrah and Boult changed the course of the game, thanks to their experience.

“When you have a winning culture, it's easier to try & have that same thing going through. We have a very experienced core group within our ranks. That winning mentality itself comes through from those senior players,” he stated.

“Players who have won trophies do help. My job is to try & cultivate the new guys who are coming into the squad. After the big auction, we had quite a few new faces. I think telling them about how we operate and having that attitude that we’ll never die from a situation always works,” he concluded.

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