Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene admitted that the five-time champion failed to “galvanise” as a unit through a forgettable IPL season.

The Sri Lankan also revealed that premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah had carried a niggle from the T20 World Cup into the initial phase of IPL 2026. “Once we lost a few games and some confidence, we had some really good conversations within the group,” Jayawardene said on the eve of MI’s last game of the campaign.

The Mumbai outfit yet again finds itself closer to the wooden spoon battle than the playoff race with inconsistent performances derailing its season despite flashes of promise. “At different stages of the competition, we sat down and discussed what we needed to do. We would win a game but then repeat the same mistakes and lose again.”

Jayawardene acknowledged that many opponents had outplayed MI. “In some matches, we weren’t even able to compete. Honest conversations have happened within the group, but we haven’t been able to galvanise and get across the line. It’s something for us to reflect on post-season,” he said.

Shedding light on Bumrah’s low returns in the first half of the season, the chief coach revealed that the fast bowler had been managing a lingering issue from the T20 World Cup.

“Bumrah had a niggle which he played with through the World Cup. We gave him adequate rest before the IPL, but the first four-five games were about gradually building him up. You could see that the pace had dropped a little.”

But, according to Jayawardene, Bumrah has regained his rhythm and pace over the last few matches, but MI’s inability to build pressure from the other end has allowed opposition teams to play him cautiously. “I wouldn’t worry about Bumrah,” Jayawardene said. “He is in good spirits and will come back strong.”