Mumbai Indians, one of the most successful teams in IPL history, have faced a recurring challenge throughout their career. Despite their overall success, they have struggled to win their opening match of each new season. This has become a well-known “elephant in the room” for the team as they prepare for IPL 2026.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Mumbai Indians’ head coach Mahela Jayawardene addressed this issue directly. He emphasized that securing victory in the first game is a top priority for the team. Jayawardene, who played for Mumbai and has years of experience in the game, shared his focus on getting off to a strong start.
Historically, Mumbai Indians have only won their opening match four times since the IPL began in 2008 (in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012). Since 2013, they have not managed to win their first game. Despite this, they have won five IPL titles over the years (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020).
Jayawardene explained that while the team has historically recovered after losing the opening match, he wants to change their approach this time. He aims to secure an early win to set a positive tone for the season. He also mentioned the importance of flexibility in using different player combinations to achieve this goal.
Mumbai Indians kicked off their pre-season training on March 16, with head coach Jayawardene leading the session alongside his coaching staff. The team started with fitness and conditioning drills, setting the tone for a serious and focused preparation period. Players like Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to join the camp soon as preparations ramp up ahead of the IPL’s opening match on March 28.
The team is determined to overcome their first-game struggles and start the season on a strong note this time around. With Jayawardene at the helm and a mix of experienced players and new talent, Mumbai Indians are aiming to finally break their unlucky streak in the opening game of IPL 2026.