Mahela Jayawardena draws comparison between Mumbai Indians and Khulna Titans

Mumbai Indian Head coach Mahela Jayawardena recently drew comparisons between coaching the IPL team and his Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) team Khulna Titans. The Sri Lankan Maestro is hoping that the foreign contingent adapts to the DNA created by the franchise in the last season of the league.

Mahela successfully mentored the Mumbai Indian side in IPL this season as the Rohit Sharma-led side went on to clinch its third title in the history of the competition. The team topped in the round robin league round as they were almost undefeated throughout the fourteen matches they played.

The Sri Lankan expressed that except Junaid Khan, the entire foreign contingent is new to the side. The owners bid for the services of the likes of Kevon Cooper, Andre Fletcher, Ben Laughlin, Nicholas Pooran, Lendl Simmons and Riki Wessels Benny Howell. The renowned local Bangladeshi stars include Mahmudullah, Alok Kapali, Shafiul Islam, and Shuvagata Hom.

“I think Mumbai [Indians] was pretty much the same, A lot of the international players arrived 4-5 days before the tournament started. I get an opportunity to work with the local cricketers at that time by going a bit early, get to know the local talent. It gives me time as a coach to understand who they are and what triggers them” commented Mahela Jayawardena according to ESPNCricinfo.

Mahela wants players to fit into the already created Khulna DNA

“Apart from Junaid Khan, we’ve got a whole new group of overseas players coming for Khulna Titans. So the biggest challenge for us is to make sure that they understand Bangladeshi culture and the local players, and then getting familiarized with that environment, which I will try to create as quickly as possible.” further described the Sri Lankan maestro.

Mahela stressed on the creation of DNA within the team. “It is about creating a DNA for Khulna which started the franchise last year. It is about building a culture for the team. It will be one of my challenges to make sure the foreign players understand that and become part of that DNA.” concluded 40-year-old.