It was about key players getting momentum: Sachin Tendulkar
Kolkata, May 25 (IANS)
With Mumbai Indians staging a remarkable turnaround and saunter to their second IPL title, team mentor Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday asserted there were no self-doubts when the team began on a disastrous note at the beginning of the tournament.
"No, I don't think there were any self-doubts when we had a bad start because our batting was capable of playing some mega innings. Lasith Malinga has been the leading bowler in all IPLs, So, it was about key players getting the momentum. We always had the belief of a turnaround," Tendulkar said after his side trounced Chennai Super Kings by 41 runs at the Eden Gardens here to lift their second IPL crown.
"We stepped together, worked hard, executed our plans. It was about how we stayed together during tough times," said the cricket great.
"These are the occasions you play cricket for and it was all about executing your plans," he said about Mumbai becoming champions again.
It was a terrific turnaround: Sachin
Talking about his role in the team, Tendulkar said it was more of giving advises to batsmen when needed.
"The support staff has been doing a good job and as and when I felt something, I would share with the batters. Basically, it was being around and as and when my inputs were required, I was there. Overall, I felt it was terrific turnaround as we did not have the best of starts," added Tendulkar.
Team chief mentor Anil Kumble credited skipper Rohit Sharma for leading from the front. "Winning the IPL means a lot. Credit to the boys for the way they played. Rohit led the team from the front and today was an example of that. It's a fantastic team effort and the credit also goes to the support staff," said Kumble.
Coach Ricky Ponting said winning the IPL crown was a special moment of his life.
" I told the players before the match that it has been a special couple of months in my life and if we can cap off with a win here today then it will be the most memorable one. Full credits to the boys for the way they turned things around," Ponting said as his the entire Mumbai squad and support staff jumped in joy.