'It's in our control': Mahela Jayawardene backs Mumbai Indians to seal IPL playoff berth
head coach
expressed confidence in his team's ability to qualify for the
, insisting they've "always been in contention" following a six-match winning streak. The five-time champions now face a must-win clash against
at the
on Wednesday, with a playoff berth on the line.
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'It's in our control. It's a great position to be here,' Jayawardene said during MI's training session on Tuesday. 'The message from me to the boys was to focus on our routines, the way we train, the way we plan, and how we've approached the tournament.'
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A win over Delhi will secure MI the fourth and final playoff spot alongside Gujarat Titans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings.
However, a loss would put their fate in the hands of other results, particularly the DC vs PBKS match on May 24.
'We've played good cricket to deserve to be in that situation. We'll go out and try and play our best game of cricket tomorrow,' Jayawardene added.
Commenting on the updated playing conditions allowing one extra hour per match to counter weather disruptions, Jayawardene remained cautiously optimistic. 'If it helps, it helps, but if you have serious rain, I don't know whether the extra hour is going to matter.
Still, everyone would prefer a game over a washout.'
Bombay Sport Exchange Ep 5: Shane Watson on how IPL gave him a lifeline & his tribute to Phil Hughes
On squad availability, he confirmed replacements were lined up for departing overseas players: 'Two of them — Richard Gleeson and Charith Asalanka — are already here. Jonny (Bairstow) will arrive tomorrow.'
Jayawardene praised his side's resilience: 'We were in a similar must-win scenario after being 4-1. The boys reacted well. Even in the last game, we gave ourselves a great opportunity.'
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