The voodoo has finally been broken after 14 years with a victory in the first game at home, for the Mumbai Indians versus Kolkata Knight Riders during IPL 2026. MI started off their campaign with a statement win by 6 wickets. Addressing the media during the post-match press conference, Head Coach, Mahela Jayawardene, was calm, composed and fully aware of the moment’s significance. 💙

Firstly, speaking about the jinx being broken, Mahela shared, “It is brilliant. It was a good wicket, and KKR got 220 on the board. I think we gave away 20 runs extra. The way Rohit and Ryan batted, it was exquisite to watch… brilliant execution, that was the game plan and these two guys played well.”

On being asked about bringing in pacer Shardul Thakur, who had a brilliant game where he picked up three wickets and pulled MI back in the game, Mahela mentioned, “It was again tactical because we could not have too many new ball bowlers upfront. We needed some options in the middle and at the back end. That was the thinking when we traded Shardul from LSG as well, it was an example of us thinking differently with our bowling combinations with different oppositions and how we want to go about with it.”

Praising Rohit Sharma’s batting performance of 78(38) as also the partnership he shared between himself and Rickelton who made 81(43), he opined, “Rohit joined us from the first day of the camp. He was very focused and fresh. He played some good matches, practice games and had match stimulations. I was quite happy the way he was hitting the balls, I thought he batted brilliantly. The way Rohit-Ryan handled the opposition bowling attack, it was good to see on a tactical point. It was a great partnership and long may it continue.”

“If you look at last season, Rohit-Rickelton did well for us at the top of the order and they were solid. The way they complimented each other was great.”

Having two points and a W on the board after the first game surely feels different. It feels nice.🔥