Mumbai Indians ends collaboration with Mahela Jayawardene
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Mumbai Indians ends collaboration with Mahela Jayawardene

Mumbai Indians and Mahela Jayawardene have mutually agreed to end their partnership as head coach. The five-time Indian Premier League champions are preparing for a change in management before the start of the next season.

This decision followed a disappointing 2026 season, in which the franchise managed only four wins. The season's difficulties were attributed to injuries, player availability issues, and reports of tension in the dressing room.

According to available information, the franchise has already compiled a list of several candidates for this position, and interviews are expected to take place next week. It is likely that Jayawardene will not continue collaborating with Mumbai Indians in any other role.

Coaching History

This departure concludes a period of coaching activity during which three IPL titles were won, establishing Jayawardene as one of the most successful figures in the franchise's history. He first led the team in 2017, guiding Mumbai to championships in 2017, 2019, and 2020, including two consecutive titles in the last two seasons.

After leaving the head coach position, the former Sri Lankan captain served as the Global Head of Performance for Mumbai Indians from 2022 to 2024, overseeing the work of coaches, scouting, and strategic planning across all the franchise's international teams. In 2024, he returned to the head coach role on a two-plus-one year contract. In 2025, Mumbai made it to the playoffs, but in 2026, they dropped to ninth place.

Commenting on his collaboration with the franchise, Jayawardene highlighted the relationships and achievements that defined his time with the organization.

He stated: "Mumbai Indians was a very important part of my journey over more than ten years. The players, the coaching staff, the incredible support of #OneFamily, and above all, the fans made this experience, which I will always cherish. Together we experienced unforgettable moments, overcame difficulties, and created something we can all be proud of. I want to sincerely thank Mrs. Nita Ambani and Akash Ambani for their unwavering trust, support, and friendship over many years. I leave with immense pride for what we achieved together, and I will always hold a special place in my heart for MI. I wish the team all the best in the coming years."

The owner of Mumbai Indians, Nita M. Ambani, also acknowledged Jayawardene's contribution, expressing gratitude for his leadership and long-standing collaboration with the franchise.

She noted: "Mahela made a significant contribution to Mumbai Indians over many years. His calm leadership, honesty, and deep love for the game mean a lot to us. On behalf of the entire MI family, I want to thank Mahela for his huge contribution and unwavering dedication over many years. We will always cherish the journey together and the memories we created. Mahela will always be part of our #OneFamily, and we wish him happiness and success on his path forward."

New Chapter

As a new coach is soon to be appointed, Mumbai Indians is preparing to enter its next IPL cycle with a new direction, aiming to return to the title race.

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Yuzvendra Chahal spoke about a traumatic incident that happened to him during a party in 2013
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Yuzvendra Chahal spoke about a traumatic incident that happened to him during a party in 2013

The left-arm spinner for the Indian team, Yuzvendra Chahal, revealed details of an early career incident that put his life in danger. During a party in Bangalore in 2013, while playing for Mumbai Indians (MI), a drunken Australian cricketer lifted him from the 15th-floor balcony and hung him upside down.

Chahal shared this story on a podcast by former Indian batsman Akash Chopra. He clarified that two cricketers whose names had previously been linked to the incident were not involved. Chahal noted that a very drunk Australian player was present at the party organized by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Bangalore.

According to Chahal, this athlete was physically very strong and suddenly lifted him, hanging him from the balcony. Chahal recounted: 'He just held me by the neck.' People in the room panicked, and everyone immediately intervened to get him back up.

He added that despite the player laughing, it felt like a second chance at life for him. Chahal speculated that the incident took place on the 15th or 16th floor of the hotel. He admitted that in his youth, he did not understand how to officially file a complaint about such an event, and later decided to focus on his career.

Chahal first mentioned this case in 2022. Although Andrew Symonds' name was mentioned in some previous reports, Chahal now categorically denies the involvement of both Symonds and James Franklin. However, he declined to name the Australian cricketer.

Chahal began his IPL career in 2013 with Mumbai Indians and later became a leading bowler for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, playing for the team for eight seasons. He is one of the most successful bowlers in IPL history, with 233 wickets in 188 matches. In the 2026 IPL season, he played 14 matches for Punjab Kings (PBKS), taking 12 wickets.

India lost to West Indies in T20 after two players from Hyderabad created a strong push
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India lost to West Indies in T20 after two players from Hyderabad created a strong push

In the fourth T20 match between India and West Indies, held at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on October 14, West Indies initially posted a substantial total of 247/3, thanks to the performance of Shai Hope, who scored 102 runs off 50 balls. Consequently, the Indian team needed to chase a target of 248 runs.

The start of the game was promising for India: the team scored 60 runs in just 4.1 overs. However, a major setback soon occurred, leading to the dismissal of Sandeep Samson, who had shown a bright innings by scoring 56 runs off 23 balls.

Midway through the innings, the Indian team faced a series of setbacks. After Naman Dheer was dismissed, the team's score reached 130/5 by the 11.4 over, which seemed to predetermine the Indian squad's defeat, given the need to defend a large total.

Following Naman Dheer's exit, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Tilak Verma came to bat. Notably, Tilak Verma is from Hyderabad and plays for the Hyderabad team in domestic cricket, while Nitish plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. Thus, two players connected to Hyderabad were on the field.

The situation could have turned in India's favor. After 16 overs, the Indian team had a score of 189/5, and only 59 runs were needed in the next 24 balls to win. It seemed that chasing this target was quite achievable. In the 15th over, Nitish Kumar scored 21 runs against Shamra Joseph.

Romario Shepherd bowled the 16th over. Tilak hit a six on the first delivery. This was followed by one untouched ball, and then Tilak scored one run. The subsequent ball was a wide, and on the fourth legal delivery, Nitish scored one run. On the fifth delivery, Tilak Verma added two runs, but on the sixth delivery of the same over, Tilak Verma (with a score of 43 runs off 25 balls) was dismissed. After this, the score stood at 48 runs for 18 balls.

Shamr Springer bowled the 18th over, in which 5 runs were scored. This over increased the pressure on the Indian team, and Springer once again demonstrated his usefulness towards the end of the match.

Subsequently, in the 19th over, Kim Paul consecutively dismissed Nitish Kumar (41 runs off 20 balls) and Prince Yadav (0). On the fifth ball of the 19th over, Axar Patel (3) was also dismissed. As a result, the Indian team's score was 213/9. Kim Paul also completed his fifth wicket.

Overall, Tilak's dismissal, Shamr Springer's 18th over, and Kim Paul's bowling played a small pivotal role that allowed West Indies to win the match by 24 runs and level the series at 2-2. The next decisive match out of five is scheduled for Saturday in Bengaluru.

This marked the first time West Indies had defeated India on Indian soil, defending their T20I count, whereas the previous six attempts had been unsuccessful. Furthermore, it was the second-highest total ever scored by India while batting second in a T20I; previously, in 2016 against the same team in Lodderhill, India lost by 1 run, having scored 244/4.

Historical place names in Lukkov: how such unusual toponyms appeared
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Historical place names in Lukkov: how such unusual toponyms appeared

When people hear the name Lukkov, they first think of Navabs, Kababs, Chikankari, and Tahzeeb. However, there are also places in this city with very peculiar names that make one wonder about the origin of these toponyms. For example, if someone suggests going to 'Tedhi Pulia' or 'Gadabdhala,' a natural question arises about the reason for such a name.

Furthermore, Lukkov features names such as 'Naka Hindola,' 'Bhutnat,' and 'Bandiria Bagh.' Some of these names bring a smile, others surprise, and a third hold stories of the old urban past and local identity. It is noteworthy that many of these places retain their significance in the modern identity of Lukkov.

Mentioning Tedhi Pulia inevitably raises the question of why the bridge received this name. Today, Tedhi Pulia is not just an old bridge but a well-known intersection and neighborhood in the northern part of the city. Its name is connected to a formerly existing curved or crooked pavement, which was a characteristic feature of this location. Although the surrounding area has changed greatly over time, the name remains the same, preserving the memory of its original appearance.

As for Gadabdhala, whose name can be amusing in itself, its history is different. The Gadabdhala market in Aminabad is still operational. This area is known for its narrow and winding streets where numerous shops are located, especially those selling artificial jewelry and small items. It is assumed that the tangled network of streets and stalls gave this place the name Gadabdhala, which largely corresponds to the image painted by the name.

Naka Hindola is also of great interest from the perspective of its name. The word 'Hindola' itself arouses curiosity. According to local history, in ancient times, people who made and managed traditional swings were present in this area. These swings played an important role in festivals and fairs, which formed the recognition of the area as Naka Hindola. Although the old swings may be absent today, the name Naka Hindola continues to be used in the city, and the historical Gurdwara is also an important part of this location.

The name Bhutnat might suggest some gloomy place, but this is not the case. In Indira Nagar, Lukkov, there is the Bhutnat market and temple. This name comes from one of the names of Lord Shiva—Bhutnat, and has no relation to mystical stories. Today, this place combines market activity and religious significance, and the Lukkov metro station is also named after it, turning a religious name into part of daily urban life.

Bandiria Bagh is also among the interesting names of Lukkov. The name evokes associations with monkeys and an old garden. Information about the old districts of Lukkov links this name to the nearby zoo and the monkeys living there. Due to widespread use in local speech, 'Bandiria Bagh' has become a recognizable feature of this area, reflecting the characteristics of Lukkov itself.

The history of these places shows that the true essence of the city is determined not only by large buildings and monuments but also by the names of its streets, markets, and quarters. Tedhi Pulia reminds of the old bridge, Gadabdhala—of the tangled alleys of the market, Naka Hindola—of the ancient swings, and Bhutnat—of religious traditions. Although the external appearance of many of these places has changed, their old names remain known to the residents.

Thus, the next time someone asks to go to 'Gadabdhala' or 'Tedhi Pulia,' one should understand that behind these unusual names lies the own history of this old city.

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