Published: Sep 29, 2015, 09:24 AM (IST)
Edited: Sep 29, 2015, 09:24 AM (IST)
Former India and Mumbai batting stalwart, Sachin Tendulkar, spent almost two hours with the Mumbai team, who are training at MIG Club in Bandra Kurla Complex, on Monday. Not only that, Tendulkar had a meeting with Mumbai team management. He also had a chat with Mumbai’s new coach Chandrakant Pandit and some players before providing his inputs to the cricketers on ground. Mumbai, who have won 40 Ranji Trophy titles so far, will be facing Andhra at Vizianagaram in their tournament opener, starting on October 1. Tendulkar feels if Mumbai strategise well, then the team have the chances of doing well in Ranji Trophy 2015-16. The team departs for Vizag on Tuesday.
Tendulkar was also seen spending time with Australian legendary pacer, Jeff Thomson, who is training Mumbai pacers for Indian domestic season of 2015-16. Jeff Thomson to coach Mumbai bowlers ahead of 2015-16 domestic season
“I came here to speak with the guys and offer tips about what to expect and try and motivate them for the season ahead. The competition will be tough, but if we strategise well then we have a chance of doing well,” Tendulkar was quoted as saying by Mumbai Mirror. Sachin Tendulkar: Life post-retirement my second innings off the field
“We have good players in our side. Mumbai have good history in this competition, but our focus has to be on season ahead. You have to make sure you’re on top of your game at all times because in long format cricket things change from session to session and it’s important to be on top at all times.”
With no Rohit Sharma, Wasim Jaffer, Amol Muzumdar and Ajit Agarkar in their side anymore, few of the big names to have guided Mumbai to victory over and over again in past, the side looked bleak and out of place in the last season. However, a lot has changed since then. Pravin Amre was removed and Suryakumar Yadav not only lost his captaincy but almost lost his place on disciplinary grounds.
However, Tendulkar is optimistic about the team, which seem to have a fine balance of experienced and young players. He said, “It’s a good side we have here. They are young, but at the same time there are a few experienced players in the team, so there is a good mix and the youngsters can learn a lot from these guys.”
“Mumbai has traditionally sent strong teams for the tournament and that’s why we have had so much success in the past, but it’s a matter of enjoying your time out there in the middle because that’s very important for the results to come through. If you don’t enjoy your cricket you’re not going to perform, but I believe this side will put up a good show,” he concluded.
