Mumbai Indians head coach Lisa Keightley acknowledged the team’s lack of consistency in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), attributing it to a challenging start that impacted their campaign. The defending champions faced an 11-run defeat against the Gujarat Giants at BCA Stadium, further diminishing their chances of making it to the playoffs. Keightley mentioned that early injuries and illnesses to key players disrupted their rhythm, leading to difficulties in forming crucial partnerships and facing pressure from the outset.
Keightley highlighted the challenges Mumbai Indians faced even before the tournament began, with all-rounder Hayley Matthews sustaining an injury during a practice game. This forced the team to alter their planned opening combinations, relying on makeshift strategies throughout the season. The absence of Matthews in the initial matches compelled the team to adjust their lineup, a situation Keightley described as not ideal for a world-class player like Matthews.
Despite experimenting with various opening pairs, Mumbai Indians eventually settled on S Sajana partnering with Matthews at the top of the order. Keightley commended Sajana for adapting to a new role amidst pressure and emphasized her importance in the team’s batting lineup. The coach also pointed out that the two overs where Mumbai conceded 36 runs proved to be a crucial turning point in the match against the Giants.
Reflecting on the game against the Giants, Keightley credited the opposition for capitalizing on key moments, especially during Harmanpreet Kaur’s impactful innings. She acknowledged the superior performance of the Giants in critical situations, particularly in the latter part of the game. Mumbai Indians concluded the league stage with three wins and five defeats, currently holding the third position on the points table with a net run rate advantage.
