Mumbai: Former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene has been appointed as the new head coach of the Mumbai Indians team replacing Ricky Ponting for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Jayawardene was appointed with the expiry of Pointing’s contract with the Mumbai Indians.
The three time World Cup winning captain Ricky Ponting was the chief coach of the Mumbai Indians for the past two seasons after taking charge from the former India coach John Wright. The Mumbai Indians won the IPL Trophy under Ricky Ponting as the head coach in 2015. Although they were knocked out in group stages in 2016 finishing fifth on the rankings table.
Commenting on the appointment of Sri Lanka’s finest batsmen, franchise owner Nita Ambani said, “Jayawardene is an astute figure in the modern era of cricket. He is a perfect role-model for the young Mumbai Indians squad. I am sure our global fans, who have always believed in the team and expects the best, will welcome Mahela to our Mumbai Indians family.”
Jayawardene is one of the geniuses when it comes down to limited overs cricket. He packs a major experience of 18 years in international cricket in which he led his side to the finals of 2007 World Cup, scored a century for his side in the 2011 World Cup and a member of the 2014 T20 World Cup winning team.
The 39 year old was in great form when he decided to end his career on a high note thus he will definitely possess the positive attitude for beginning his new role in his career.
Jayawardene believes that this new role as a coach is a “start of a new chapter” and he will be looking to bringing out the best of his life learning to the field.
“I am very excited by the appointment and glad that the Mumbai Indians management appreciated my presentation and ideas,” said Jayawardene adding, “I am looking forward to working with a really talented squad, all the support staff, and the owners to help strengthen the two-time IPL champions.
“Mumbai Indians have the most passionate fan base in the IPL and I have always been wowed by the amazing support the team gets at Wankhede Stadium. In what is a new chapter in my career, I will be striving hard to bring them more on-field success and joy.”
Jayawardene will soon be travelling to Mumbai to conduct a detail meeting with the team management.