Mahela Jayawardene appointed Mumbai Indian head coach

[sourab10forever]

Mahela Jayawardene has been appointed as the head coach of Indian Premier League side Mumbai Indians, the franchise announced on Friday (November 18). The 39-year-old Sri Lankan batting great replaces Ricky Ponting, who spent four successful seasons with the team - as player, in an advisory role under head coach John Wright and then later as full time head coach.
Ponting was appointed as captain of the Mumbai Indians in 2013 and dropped himself from the side mid-way through the tournament following lukewarm performances, paving the way for Rohit Sharma to lead the side to their first IPL title. As head coach, Ponting was at the helm of the side's second title, masterminding a remarkable turnaround after four straight defeats to begin the season. Mumbai Indians failed for a second time in their title defence in 2016, finishing fifth and missing out on a playoff berth by two points.

[sandeep]

I have mixed feelings on how IPL is becoming a highly paid finishing school for non-Indian coaches (and some players as well).  But I guess we can't restrict the benefits of the World's top T20 league to just Indians.  That would be short-sighted and not in our best interests.  So I guess its all good. 

[Tibarn]

Why did they not re-sign Ponting? He did well for them. 

Edited November 18, 2016 by Tibarn

[G_B_]

51 minutes ago, sandeep said:

I have mixed feelings on how IPL is becoming a highly paid finishing school for non-Indian coaches (and some players as well).  But I guess we can't restrict the benefits of the World's top T20 league to just Indians.  That would be short-sighted and not in our best interests.  So I guess its all good. 

my sentiments....

[sandeep]

19 minutes ago, Tibarn said:

Why did they not re-sign Ponting? He did well for them. 

I'm glad they didn't.  Never liked him.  And I don't think he was that great as a coach anyway.  Greg Ch00tiya mark II he is.

[maniac]

Wow lazy elegance overload with coach and captain...Mumbai "Silky Touch" Indians

[sandeep]

Just now, maniac said:

Wow lazy elegance overload with coach and captain...Mumbai "Silky Touch" Indians

Please keep your err, 'happy thoughts' private.

[Tibarn]

1 hour ago, sandeep said:

I'm glad they didn't.  Never liked him.  And I don't think he was that great as a coach anyway.  Greg Ch00tiya mark II he is.

Haha, fair enough, I was only going off the championship they won. 

 

I wonder how good Mahela is going to be, he at least has captaining experience at the IPL and international T20 level. I remember from his DD days he can speak some Hindi as well.  

[sandeep]

Just now, Tibarn said:

Haha, fair enough, I was only going off the championship they won. 

 

I wonder how good Mahela is going to be, he at least has captaining experience at the IPL and international T20 level. I remember from his DD days he can speak some Hindi as well.  

Mahela always gave off the impression he was SL's Dravid - thinking cricketer, good plans and all that.  So that's a start.  He'll probably be a good coach for Bombay.  But you just know a few years down the line he's going to be coaching SL for an extended period.  That's what I don't like about this. But its unavoidable.  I guess if you want to benefit from a John Wright or a Gary Kirsten, you have to be open to the flip side of the coin as well.  

[Tibarn]

33 minutes ago, sandeep said:

Mahela always gave off the impression he was SL's Dravid - thinking cricketer, good plans and all that.  So that's a start.  He'll probably be a good coach for Bombay.  But you just know a few years down the line he's going to be coaching SL for an extended period.  That's what I don't like about this. But its unavoidable.  I guess if you want to benefit from a John Wright or a Gary Kirsten, you have to be open to the flip side of the coin as well.  

Maybe they should have tried Kumble, since he is already a mentor for MI and is the India coach now. Or possibly Jonty Rhodes, he's already the fielding coach, loves being in India, and has been involved with the IPL for a long time, unlike Ponting. I doubt he is going to coach SA either. 

 

 

[sandeep]

5 minutes ago, Tibarn said:

Maybe they should have tried Kumble, since he is already a mentor for MI and is the India coach now. Or possibly Jonty Rhodes, he's already the fielding coach, loves being in India, and has been involved with the IPL for a long time, unlike Ponting. I doubt he is going to coach SA either. 

 

 

Kumble, Unlikely - Conflict of Interest and all that jazz.  Jonty? Kinda comes across as a mimbo.  Dont get me wrong, love the guy, but don't think he is head coach material.  Good for consulting as fielding coach, occasional mentoring etc

 

I would have liked to see Pravin Amre as Mumbai coach, but IIRC he's involved with the Delhi team?  

[Tibarn]

6 minutes ago, sandeep said:

Kumble, Unlikely - Conflict of Interest and all that jazz.  Jonty? Kinda comes across as a mimbo.  Dont get me wrong, love the guy, but don't think he is head coach material.  Good for consulting as fielding coach, occasional mentoring etc

 

I would have liked to see Pravin Amre as Mumbai coach, but IIRC he's involved with the Delhi team?  

Yep, Amre is batting assistant coach for DD.