IPL 2022 | 'We have not had that spark' - Jayawardene reflects on Mumbai Indians' struggles

Suffering from their worst Indian Premier League (IPL) season in recent years, Mumbai Indians (MI) have already been knocked out of the ongoing tournament. While their bowling struggles are quite evident, the batters have not clicked as a unit and are a reason for their bottom spot stay throughout the competition.

With MI undergoing a major revamp after the mega-auction, including a few youngsters in their batting contingent, skipper Rohit Sharma was needed to do the job. However, Rohit has scored only 155 runs in nine matches and is clearly having a miserable season to his standards.

As the 35-year-old's form remains a worry, the MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene reflected on it, saying that Rohit knows that he is failing to capitalise on the starts. However, the former Sri Lanka cricketer added that more than Rohit, this season's failure should be attributed to the whole team.

"Let me answer that in a much fairer way. Yes, as you rightly said Ro (Rohit Sharma) has been brilliant in batting for long periods, getting those big scores consistently and the rest of the guys have batted around him. He knows he had starts and is disappointed that he has been unable to convert them into big ones. For a team to work it is not about just one individual, it is about a team executing a game plan. The way we have structured our lineup this season, that is something we have lacked and at the top," Jayawardene said as quoted in a virtual press conference on Thursday.

While replying to a query on Arjun Tendulkar's debut, the IPL-winning coach responded that it would depend on the combination and match-ups.

"Well, I think everyone in the squad is an option, it is about match-ups and how we can win the matches. Every game is a confidence thing, we managed to get our first win and it is about stringing wins together. It is about putting the best guys on the park. If Arjun is one of them then yes, but it all depends on the combination that we put out."

Mumbai Indians will next cross swords with Gujarat Titans on May 6 at Brabourne Stadium.