Intro
Five-time champions Mumbai Indians crashed out after another heartbreaking last-ball defeat in Raipur.
RAIPUR
Mahela Jayawardene admitted Mumbai Indians were “not good enough” this season after their crushing two-wicket defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru officially ended their playoff hopes in IPL 2026.
The five-time champions suffered their eighth defeat in 11 matches, with inconsistency proving to be their biggest downfall throughout the campaign.
“It’s disappointing. We had our opportunities, but we were not good enough and not consistent enough with both bat and ball,” Jayawardene said.
Mumbai appeared to have control at different stages before failing to defend a modest total in the final over. Rookie all-rounder Raj Angad Bawa, bowling his first IPL over, was entrusted with defending the target after all frontline bowlers had completed their quotas.
The youngster began nervously, conceding a wide and a no-ball before dismissing Romario Shepherd. However, another wide and a decisive six from Bhuvneshwar Kumar sealed victory for Bengaluru off the final delivery.
Explaining the decision, Jayawardene said the side had exhausted all experienced bowling options. “We had no senior bowler left. Suryakumar backed Raj because he has shown good execution in practice sessions,” he said.
The former Sri Lanka captain sympathised with the youngster for struggling under pressure but praised the team’s fighting spirit. “It was a game of fine margins. We probably should have executed better at the end,” he added.
Jayawardene also rejected suggestions that the Raipur pitch was responsible for Mumbai’s modest total of 166. He pointed instead to untimely dismissals after the side looked set for a stronger finish.
He further revealed that injuries and frequent unavailability of players disrupted team combinations throughout the season. Despite criticism surrounding senior stars Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav, Jayawardene defended the experienced core, insisting their commitment and effort remained unquestionable despite Mumbai’s disappointing campaign.
