Mahela Jaywardene Reacts After Mumbai Indians Faced a Tough Defeat Against Rajasthan Royals

Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jaywardene gave his views after facing a tough defeat against Rajasthan Royals in the recent IPL encounter. He said the bowlers couldn’t execute their plans well, as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi put them under pressure from the start of the play.

"Yeah, I think we had some plans, but I don't think, being honest, that we ever executed those plans the way we wanted. The margins are very small. The guys are batting really well. We knew the danger especially when the rain [curtailed the game to 11 over per side] and you have the license to go up front.” said Mahela Jaywardene after the match.

“So we needed to make sure that first four, five overs were crucial for us. I thought we pulled very well to get back from the start that they had and yeah, I think we missed our lengths, we missed our lines, and they played really, really well." added Mahela Jaywardene.

Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn also gave credit to RR openers, especially Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for taking on the Mumbai Indians bowling attack aggressively.

"I think that's what he's done. I mean, honestly, he's created and instilled the fear into bowlers that he's going to hit you for boundaries. That delivery from Bumrah. That's in the slot. That's so rare of Bumrah. So even the great Bumrah is thinking in the back of his mind: 'don't get it wrong; because if I get it wrong, this guy's going to hit me for six'." said Dale Steyn.

"I feel, if you think like that, more often than not, you do get it wrong. You can see even when he's hit him for six, he [Bumrah] almost started to laugh afterwards and then go, 'I knew that was going to happen if I got it wrong'. And that's exactly what happened.” added Dale Steyn.

He further applauded the batting of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, saying he is a great talent who isn’t scared of anyone, regardless of the name or stature in world cricket.

"And this kid's not scared, man. If you miss a half-volley, he's going to hit you out of the ground. So drag your length back and hit a good length and you might be on the money with him. Miss and you're traveling the distance. It doesn't matter who you are, Bumrah or Joe Average. You know, so that's fantastic batting." said Dale Steyn.