Harbhajan Singh lambasts Mumbai Indians coaching staff for interfering in IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 vs PBKS, says 'Don't show desperetness'
New Delhi: On June 2, in the second qualifier for the IPL in 2025, the Mumbai Indians lost to the Punjab Kings. Setting a tough target of 204 runs, the five-time champions could not win, so the Punjab Kings qualified for the final instead.
Mumbai Indians' bowlers secured two early wickets, but were unable to curb Punjab Kings' aggressive scoring. Jasprit Bumrah, despite high expectations, had an ineffective performance, conceding 40 runs without taking a wicket.
Mumbai Indians' difficulties in their second innings led to head coach Mahela Jayawardene taking a more active role, frequently providing on-field guidance to his players.
Harbhajan Singh criticized Mumbai Indians' coaching staff after expressing disapproval of Jayawardene's behavior. 'Look at the Mumbai Indians dugout. When they were leaking runs, there was too much involvement from the outside,' said Harbhajan on his official YouTube channel.
'The coaches are telling a bowler like Jasprit Bumrah what to do and what not. A dressing room needs to remain calm and composed. Coaches should only give advice. Don't show desperation. So somewhere I felt that when this happens way too much, it breaks the player's spirit,' he added.
Harbhajan Singh, a former Mumbai Indians captain, played for the team from 2008 to 2017. His final season with the franchise coincided with Jayawardene's tenure.
Mumbai Indians (MI) showed significant improvement after a slow start to the IPL season, ultimately securing fourth place with eight wins from fourteen matches. Their victory over the Gujarat Titans in the eliminator secured a spot in the second qualifier, however, they were unable to advance to the final for the fifth consecutive year.
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