Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mahela Jayawardene broke his silence on the decision to use Suryakumar Yadav as an Impact Player. Following their IPL 2026 opener against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the Mumbai head coach warned reporters not to create unnecessary stories around the impact substitute.
Mumbai chased down a 221-run target at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, March 29. However, there was chatter around Suryakumar Yadav warming the bench during the bowling innings. Hardik Pandya used the T20 World Cup-winning captain as an Impact Sub during the match against Kolkata Knight Riders.
During the post-match press conference, Mahela Jayawardene was asked about naming Suryakumar Yadav as an Impact Sub. The Mumbai Indians head coach confirmed that Suryakumar had complained of a tight groin before the match, adding that the team wanted to give him extra time.
“I hope you don't create unwanted stories. The camp is very happy. Everyone's happy. Sky came, joined us. He had an extra couple of days he wanted as well,” Jayawardene told reporters at the post-match press conference.
"He joined. He had a little tight groin. He was doing fielding and all that. I knew I had another 5 days from this game to the other game. I just wanted to give him that extra bit of time. He was even keen at the end to go for 3-4 overs,” he added.
Please Don't Create Any Stories - Mahela Jayawardene
The former Sri Lankan captain stated that the Mumbai Indians management refused to risk worsening the groin niggle Suryakumar Yadav carried into the opening match.
“I said, no, just fine. It's okay. It was a change. Please don't create any stories. It's just that I have to take precautions. These are very valuable players for me to have them going throughout the season. These are calculated decisions that I make, and the management makes. There's nothing beyond that,” Jayawardene stated.
Mumbai Indians Cruise to Victory against Kolkata Knight Riders
Suryakumar Yadav came to the crease to bat at number three and scored 16 runs off just eight balls. Kartik Tyagi dismissed him, but his quick cameo helped maintain the scoring rate.
Mumbai Indians did not need Yadav at his peak, as Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton had already dismantled the opposition. Rohit scored 78 runs, while Rickelton played a brilliant knock of 81 runs off 43 balls. They added a 148-run opening stand off just 72 deliveries.
Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma chipped in before Naman Dhir hit a boundary on the first ball of the final over. Mumbai Indians reached the target in 19.1 overs with five balls to spare, ending a streak of 13 consecutive opening-game losses since 2012.
Earlier in the match, Kolkata Knight Riders posted a strong total of 220/4 in 20 overs. Captain Ajinkya Rahane scored 67 runs, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi added 51 off 29 balls. Rinku Singh remained unbeaten on 33 off 21 balls.
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