Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mahela Jayawardene has candidly addressed the explanations behind his group’s slim 12-run defeat towards Lucknow Tremendous Giants (LSG) in Match 16 of IPL 2025. Within the post-match interview, Jayawardene emphasised the necessity for better ruthlessness and smarter execution in crucial moments.
Causes behind MI’s defeat
Missed Alternatives
Jayawardene expressed disappointment over MI’s lack of ability to complete the chase regardless of being in management for a lot of the match. “I believe midway level, even on the 14th over mark, we had been par rating with them,” he stated, highlighting that the group had momentum regardless of shedding two early wickets. Nevertheless, lapses in execution throughout key moments proved expensive. “We simply couldn’t end it,” he added, calling the loss a “setback” for a group that had lately discovered rhythm after beating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at house.
Bowling Issues
The coach identified that MI’s bowlers failed to limit LSG to a manageable complete, conceding 203 runs. He famous that the group leaked too many runs through the powerplay, permitting LSG to succeed in 69/0 within the first six overs—one of many highest powerplay scores at Lucknow’s venue. Whereas MI skipper Hardik Pandya delivered a sensational five-wicket haul (5/36), Jayawardene felt that higher changes through the powerplay might have saved 15-20 runs.
Batting Execution
On the batting entrance, MI’s chase began poorly with each openers dismissed cheaply. Regardless of robust performances from Suryakumar Yadav (67 off 43) and Naman Dhir (46 off 24), MI faltered in crucial moments. Tilak Varma’s struggles led to a uncommon tactical choice to retire him out within the penultimate over—a transfer geared toward injecting contemporary vitality into the chase. Nevertheless, even Pandya’s late heroics couldn’t bridge the hole as LSG’s bowlers held their nerve beneath stress.
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MI’s battle in away matches
Jayawardene additionally acknowledged MI’s ongoing struggles in away video games, noting that they’ve misplaced all three matches on the highway this season. Since 2023, MI have gained solely 5 of their final 19 away fixtures—a regarding pattern for a franchise recognized for its dominance.
Regardless of the setback, Jayawardene remained optimistic about MI’s prospects. He emphasised fine-tuning their bowling methods and bettering batting execution to shut out video games successfully. “We should be extra ruthless once we’re in these sorts of conditions,” he stated, urging his group to adapt higher to situations and seize alternatives.