By IANS,
New Delhi : Mumbai Indians captain Sachin Tendulkar said Delhi Daredevils’ openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir have been prolific scorers in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and getting rid of the duo early would be the key in their crucial game Saturday.
Gambhir is the highest scorer of the tournament while Daredevils captain Sehwag is not far behind and has belted some imperious knocks. The duo is the most successful opening pair in the competition.
“Both Sehwag and Gambhir are dangerous players. They are the key batsmen who have made runs for Delhi Daredevils. They have given good start to the team and a lot of their batting has depended on how the openers have performed. So we need to take their wickets early,” Tendulkar told reporters here.
Tendulkar’s hopes of seeing the backs of these two players would certainly rest on Shaun Pollock, who would be back in the team after missing the last match due to a stiff back.
“He (Pollock) is much better now and is fit to play,” Tendulkar said.
Mumbai Indians came back strongly after losing their first four matches to register six victories on trot. But they lost their last match against Kings XI Punjab. Tendulkar though chose to look at the positives.
“Lot of people wrote us off after we lost the first few matches. It has taken some time for every team at the start to realise their strength and get the combination right. We took it a bit longer.”
“We have kept on performing since then and there will be no let-down in our approach.”
Tendulkar added there will be pressure on both the teams to perform.
“Pressure will always be there. It was there at the start of the tournament and it is still there. Nobody wants to go out there and lose in front of so many people. Everybody wants to enjoy and perform.”
“Top players are the ones who embrace challenges, face the obstacles and move forward.”
Tendulkar, who missed the first few IPL matches due to a groin injury, said his comeback has also helped the team and the seniors can now share the workload.
“Earlier the top-order was not doing well. Since my comeback, the responsibility has been shared among me, Pollock and Sanath and it has helped ease the pressure of the top-order.”
Tendulkar admitted enjoying the captaincy.
“I am playing after a long time and I am enjoying myself. Sanath and Pollock are contributing a lot and giving solutions to various problems. I have loved the game and would always give my best in any format.”