Mumbai Indians have yet to win their opening game since 2012. In 2022, they needed nine games to notch their first victory, and last season saw three straight opening losses.

Their challenge is further compounded by the likely absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who is still awaiting clearance from the National Cricket Academy, and skipper Hardik Pandya, who will miss the opener due to an over-rate breach.

Head coach Mahela Jayawardene summed up the situation, stating,  “I was reminded a few days ago that we haven't won our first game since 2012. So both of us (pointing to Pandya), including Surya (Suryakumar Yadav), who's going to lead us, have a big challenge ahead of us to try and overcome that. And then after that, we look forward to the season.”

He continued with an outline of the team’s approach, “We have the core group with us who’ve got the experience, who know what the culture is, how we need to play and how we need to win. And with the new group of guys, which includes some of the old faces coming back, like Trent (Boult), who was a big part in our success in 2020. So for us, it's about putting this puzzle together, making sure that we gel well as a group, understanding our strengths and have a good start.

“Last season threw us some challenges, but there has been a big auction, and a lot of changes have happened. With that, we got a fresh canvas to start and paint our destiny.”

Addressing Bumrah’s absence, Jayawardene remarked, “Jasprit is at the moment with NCA. He just started that process. We have to wait and see what their feedback is on him. At the moment, everything is going well, but obviously, it is on a day-to-day basis, the progress. He is in good spirits, and hopefully, he can join the team sooner.”

“Obviously, not having him is a challenge. He is one of the best bowlers in the world, and he has been a fantastic pro for us for many years. We will have to find a way, it is an opportunity for someone else also to step up and show what they are capable of. That is how I see it. It gives us a different element of trying a few different things and see what works.”

On the importance of experience in the bowling unit, he added: “The plan for the bowling group is very clear. You get a lot of experience in it. It was very, very important to bring in experience from those who have played – from Mitch (Mitchell Santner) to Trent.”

“As you mentioned, Trent was very, very important for us. (So are) Deepak (Chahar) and all experienced individuals, including. Boom (Bumrah), myself, Mujeeb (Ur Rahaman) – all of the youngsters who have played a lot of cricket.”

Skipper Hardik Pandya also shared his thoughts on Suryakumar Yadav’s form, “He has scored a lot of runs for so many years, and I am not really worried or concerned about his form. He has batted brilliantly, he has been a match-winner for India and the Mumbai Indians, and he brings a lot of energy to the group.”

Jayawardene concluded on the topic of Suryakumar Yadav by stating, “We are not very concerned about Sky. He had a couple of practice games for us, and sometimes, the way he has played and how he has gone about his game, it's fantastic to watch. When he fails, we all feel, 'Okay, he's human as well.' So, we just take it at that and allow him to enjoy his batting out there for us…”

The five-time champions begin the season on the road, facing Chennai Super Kings at the Chepauk, followed by a clash with Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.