Mumbai Indians are high on confidence

Mumbai: Ro, Bumz, Fizz, and Polly are some of nicknames in the new Mumbai Indians squad out to retain their Indian Premier League title as season 11 beckons. With coach Mahlela Jayawardene making these dubs for his players, the squad are gelling before the three-time champions set off on their quest.

For a team with the most titles, an immaculate synergy is a key to a fruitful output and it is on show when the squad train together. Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and skipper Rohit Sharma are in the India squad. Siddhesh Lad and Suryakumar Yadav represent Mumbai in domestic cricket. Kieron Pollard has been associated with MI since his first season. Even the new players are not finding it hard to fit in with the “MI culture”.

Mahela is no stranger to Rohit’s striking skills as he was on the field in Kolkata when that massive 264 shook his side in 2014. He praises Rohit for his leadership in creating a sociable environment in the squad.

“He’s guided a lot of younger guys through the system. That shows the faith Rohit has put in that younger group which is a quality of a great leader. And he’s also getting the best out of everybody in the middle. He demands that respect and earns that respect, which is probably why he is the most successful captain in the franchise,” said Mahela at the pre-match press conference on Thursday.

Thumbs up for DRS
The 11th edition of the league will witness two new changes — the Decision Review System and mid-season transfers.

For a two-month league that thrives on fast-paced games, both decisions might change the proceedings of the matches but Mahela feels otherwise.