Hope playing in Mumbai will work to our advantage- Jayasuriya | Mauler's Notes IPL 2010

After two seasons of underperforming, we were all determined to reach the semifinals of IPL 3. All the hard work and commitment has paid off and now we have a chance to go all the way. During the past few weeks we’ve played some topclass cricket and no one can deny that we deserve to be in the top four. We are really confident and we believe we have what it takes to beat Bangalore on Wednesday evening.

It’s important for us now to enjoy ourselves. Over the years I have been fortunate enough to play several big semi-finals and finals for Sri Lanka and we’ve always believed that we need to have fun. There is no point in putting pressure on ourselves. We need to express ourselves fully and play our natural game.

There is so much talent in this Mumbai Indians team and we need to trust ourselves, and each other, to perform.One other reason we have to be confident is our team spirit and unity. Unlike some franchises who have struggled to gel this season, we are like a family.

Everyone is committed to the team. That is very important. This is something that has been strength of Sri Lanka for a long time. It is one of reasons why we have often beaten higher profile teams. If you are all pulling in one direction and if you are all crystal clear about your team role, winning is easier. Our confidence, however, should not allow us to be complacent. Bangalore are a very strong side with some extremely dangerous players within their ranks and we will need to be at our very best.

Hopefully, the change in venue will work to our advantage. They’ll be disappointed to not be playing at home as expected on a pitch tailor-made for their attack and in front of a boisterous home crowd. History suggests that we can expect an excellent pitch with possibly some spin. I am sure the batsmen will be able to play their strokes and we should be in for an entertaining contest.

 

- SANATH JAYASURIYA