MI Head Coach Mahela Jayawardene Backs Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma After CSK Loss

Mumbai Indians’ struggles in IPL 2026 continued after another defeat to CSK, with Mahela Jayawardene backing under-fire stars despite poor form.

Mumbai Indians entered IPL 2026 with a formidable lineup on paper, boasting several international stars, but their campaign has not lived up to expectations. Their latest setback came against Chennai Super Kings, a defeat that further dented their already fragile playoff hopes.

Despite having experienced names like Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma, the team has lacked consistency across departments.

Bumrah has managed only three wickets in nine matches, while Suryakumar has struggled to maintain his usual high standards with the bat. Tilak Varma, too, has found it difficult to produce impactful performances regularly.

ALSO READ | Lockie Ferguson Defends Kyle Jamieson Celebration After Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Dismissal

Jayawardene Defends Suryakumar, Urges Patience

Following the loss, head coach Mahela Jayawardene came out in support of his players, particularly Suryakumar Yadav, who has faced criticism for his dip in form.

“I don’t think his output is down; if he gets a few scores together I think he’ll find that rhythm. He played really well today for that period, really took on the bowlers in that phase. I think another couple of overs he could have been off for a really good score. Sometimes when things are not going your way it doesn’t fall in place; I think it was a pretty good shot that went straight to the fielder. He’s definitely up for it, I think he’s in a good space, it’s just that it hasn’t worked, like the amount of times he’s got caught on the boundary this season with some of those shots. It’s just a matter of time, but I think he himself is disappointed and just has to keep on working harder,” he said in a press conference.

Tilak’s Growth And Bowling Concerns Highlighted

Jayawardene also pointed out that Tilak Varma is still adapting to the demands of T20 cricket and learning to handle different match situations.

“Tilak Varma is also still learning and playing different roles that he’s been asked to play. T20 cricket is not that easy, I think the more he plays different situations he’ll understand what he needs to do… handling situations, being a bit more proactive in thinking what we need to do in those situations is something he’ll find,” Jayawardene said.

Addressing the bowling struggles, the MI coach stressed that the burden cannot be placed solely on Jasprit Bumrah, highlighting the need for a collective effort.

ALSO READ | Ambati Rayudu Decodes KL Rahul 2.0 Amid Dominant IPL 2026 Campaign

“It’s not just Booms; it’s a collective effort from all the bowlers. When everyone’s working together and you’re picking up wickets here and there, that helps Bumrah to be a bit more aggressive as well rather than doing a holding job. Everyone tends to have a slow season, but class is always permanent,” he added.