Former India player Harbhajan Singh slammed Mumbai Indians’ coaches for the franchise’s defeat against Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2 of the Indian Premier League 2025. MI failed to defend 200-plus runs for the first time, with Shreyas Iyer proving to be the difference. When MI posted 203/6 in the allotted 20 overs, they were considered favourites but Iyer’s 87 runs knock took Punjab to a five-wicket win in 19 overs.
Mumbai coaches Mahela Jayawardene, Paras Mhambrey, Kieron Pollard and Lasith Malinga have been disturbing players since the last game against the Gujarat Titans. In the Eliminator against GT, Jasprit Bumrah had to tell Jayawardene to stop giving him suggestions as he was aware of his role.
In the contest against Punjab, Jayawardene forced captain Hardik Pandya to bowl Recce Topley but it back-fired.
Harbhajan, who has played for Mumbai Indians, was miffed with the support staff of the five-time champions.
“Mahela Jayawardene was shouting, Paras Mhambrey was shouting. They were telling captain Hardik Pandya to bowl tall and short bowlers. Mahela has never won an IPL title as a player. I know he has been involved with some of the top teams but that doesn’t mean you start putting your captain under pressure,” Harbhajan Singh said.
“You need to trust your players. Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya have won World Cups. You should allow them to play freely,” he added.
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