'In IPL, every home team is a challenge' - MI coach Mahela Jayawardene ahead of clash vs DC

Published - 03 Apr 2026, 18:30 IST | Updated - 03 Apr 2026, 18:30 IST

Mumbai Indians' head coach Mahela Jayawardene opined that his team might have a slight edge over Delhi Capitals despite being the away side, as he noted that Axar Patel's men will be playing at home for the first time in IPL 2026.

The five-time champions started their IPL 2026 campaign with a resounding win against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Now, Hardik Pandya and Co. are on the road as they face the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday, April 4.

"It should be a good match. They are a very good team. In IPL, every home team is a challenge. First game for them here as well, so that's probably a slight advantage for us," said Jayawardene during the press conference on Friday.

The former Sri Lankan skipper said that the team's ideology has been to back its strengths, and on Saturday, that would be looking to bring their A-game to the fore.

"We are still trying to stick to our strengths, and that's what we have been doing. We have to see things differently, as per the conditions. We'll prepare the best we can. We respect every opponent, and we will try to play our best cricket," said Jayawardene.

Mumbai Indians will be high on confidence after registering their first win in the opening game of an IPL season since 2012. They conceded 220/4 after opting to bowl first. However, belligerent half-centuries from openers Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton set the foundation for a comprehensive victory for the Mumbai-based franchise.

IPL 2026: Mumbai Indians' strongest predicted XI against DC

On the other hand, the Delhi Capitals are also heading into this clash on the back of a morale-boosting win. They got the better of the Lucknow Super Giants in their opening game of the new season. Even after losing four wickets inside the power play, the Capitals chased down a 142-run target on a challenging surface thanks to a masterful half-century from Sameer Rizvi.