Mahela Jayawardene is one of the most successful captains in the history of Sri Lanka cricket. His enthusiasm and perseverance helped the island nation achieve many laurels during his time at the helm of things. He has replicated similar results as the coach of the Mumbai Indians.
In three attempts, the Mumbai-based franchise lifted the coveted trophy on two occasions – making them the most successful team in the history of the cash-rich tournament (won four IPL trophies in total). In a freewheeling chat with ESPN Cricinfo, Jayawardene opined that there is no harm in dealing with big egos.
“It’s good to have that. It’s nothing harmful. It’s about identifying and making sure that they thrive. Everyone has got to this level because they are good, right? So you try and get them to prove that. That’s all you need to do,” Jayawardene was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Mahela Jayawardene puts the emphasis on team culture
The 42-year-old went on to say that it is all about professionally treating the cricketers. According to Jayawardene, having a solid team culture is important. Once a particular blueprint is there, anyone who drifts apart could be brought back into the same level. He also stated that it is vital to encourage people to participate in the process as that helps in self-improvement.
He also shed light on the difference in being the captain of the side to working behind closed doors. He said that as a coach one can’t have much control in the happenings out in the field. It is the skipper who calls the shots and not the coach. Jayawardene believes in giving a long rope to his players. As a coach, he backs his players to the hilt and supports them in the journey. The likes of Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah have come through the pipeline. And they have gone onto win games not just for the franchise but India.