Final defeat doesn't hurt: Mahela Jayawardene

Mumbai: Mahela Jayawardene is back at Wankhede stadium as Mumbai Indians coach. Six years ago his team Sri Lanka were on the cusp of history by taking on hosts India in the World Cup final.

Jayawardene struck an unbeaten 103 to guide Sri Lanka to a challenging 274 and Lasith Malinga reduced India to 31/2 before Gautam Gambhir and Mahendra Singh Dhoni played blinders to easily chase the target.

“I did not even remember it until I opened my Twitter account this morning. To be part of a World Cup final is always brilliant and to walk out at the Wankhede with 50,000 people screaming gives good memories.

“It was good game personally, India were the better team on that day but it was six years ago and it’s in the past. A lot of things hurt in life. I have lost four (ICC tournament) finals out of five. We learn from every mishap that happens and move on with life. It hurt at that point, but after that it’s just another game,” he said.

“Although I was not part of the team but it was good to see Mahela scoring a hundred and later our team chasing it well,” Rohit recalled.

Malinga leads the Mumbai Indians attack with Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell McClenaghan also there along with Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.
“We might surprise a team or two with the kind of bowling attack. It’s a long tournament and we can’t think too far ahead,” the Mumbai Indians skipper added.

Jayawardene however wasn’t sure how Twenty20 specialists like Malinga and Johnson will fear. McClenaghan also hasn’t been a regular in the New Zealand side. “Sometimes it (T20 specialists) can be a disadvantage Mitch has played in the Big Bash (only) and Lasith is coming off after injury. We wanted him to play as much before coming here,” he said.