'Don't create any stories...'- MI coach reveals reason to use Suryakumar Yadav as 'impact player' in MI vs KKR clash of IPL 2026

One of the biggest talking points of the Mumbai Indians’ opening game for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai was when the teams were announced on March 29, as Hardik Pandya’s team sheet didn’t have Suryakumar Yadav among the first eleven.

Sky, the recent T20 World Cup 2026 winning captain for the Indian side, was among the five players of the ‘Impact players’ list, but the 35-year-old walked out to bat at Rohit Sharma’s dismissal during their chase of 224 runs, which they went on to win by six wickets with five balls to spare.

MI coach explains Suryakumar Yadav as impact player in IPL 2026

The five-time champions’ head coach, Mahela Jayawardene, explained the reasoning behind Suryakumar Yadav as an impact substitute player, revealing that he had a groin issue and the team wanted to give him more time to recover fully.  

“I hope you don’t create unwanted stories. The camp is very happy. Everyone’s happy. Sky came, joined us. He had an extra couple of days he wanted as well. He joined. He had a little tight groin. He was doing fielding and all that. I knew I had another 5 days from this game to the other game. I just wanted to give him that extra bit of time. He was even keen at the end to go for 3-4 overs.” Jayawardene addressed the post-match press conference.

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“I said, no, just fine. It’s okay. It was a change. Please don’t create any stories. It’s just that I have to take precautions. These are very valuable players for me to have going throughout the season. These are calculated decisions that I make, and the management makes. There’s nothing beyond that.” The MI head coach explained.

Mahela Jayawardene gives reason of strange impact player

MI have had a history of using their talismanic players as the impact subs in the past. The former T20 WC-winning captain, Rohit Sharma, was also used in the same role in the past, but before the season began, the franchise wanted to give the player time to be fit.

“He is still making a huge impact on the team, whether he is on the field or off the field. But definitely this year, I want to keep him on the field as much as I can.” The former Sri Lanka captain noted.

MI completed the chase by six wickets in 19.1 overs after their two openers, Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton, played two sensational knocks of 78 and 81, respectively.