A proven “winning mentality” and seasoned campaigners such as Rohit Sharma can propel five-time champions Mumbai Indians to more IPL glory, head coach Mahela Jayawardene says.
Led by Hardik Pandya, Mumbai are two wins from the title after beating Gujarat Titans by 20 runs in Friday’s eliminator.
They now meet Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad on Sunday to decide who faces Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final on June 3.
Mumbai started this IPL with four defeats in five matches before they won seven of their next eight to clinch a playoff berth.
They came fourth in the table to play the do-or-die playoff with Gujarat and after being beaten by them twice in the league stage, came up trumps when they needed it most.
“When you have a winning culture it is easier to try and have that same thing going through,” Mahela said.
“Even when you get a new group, we still have a very experienced co-group within our ranks.”
The former Sri Lanka captain added: “That winning mentality itself comes through from those senior players and having that experience, guys who have won trophies, does help.”
Rohit led Mumbai’s batting charge with 81 and put on a blazing opening stand with Jonny Bairstow, who hit 47, in the team’s 228-5.
On an evening at Mullanpur in New Chandigarh when dew made it tough for the bowlers to grip the wet ball, Mumbai’s senior players including Jasprit Bumrah restricted Gujarat to 208-6.
Mumbai are owned by Nita Ambani, wife of India’s richest man, the Reliance Industries billionaire Mukesh Ambani.
The team are equal with Chennai Super Kings as the most successful in IPL history since the T20 tournament’s inception in 2008.