The legendary Indian, who played his penultimate and career's 199th Test here two years ago, landed this morning and joined the boys straightway at Eden Gardens on the eve of their IPL opener against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Tendulkar's pep talk
Sachin Tendulkar took the centrestage at the Eden Gardens as the Mumbai Indians 'icon' was seen giving a pep talk to his team before getting into a long chat with RCB skipper Virat Kohli ahead of the IPL-8 opener at Kolkata on Wednesday.
The legendary Indian, who played his 199th Test match in Kolkata two years ago, landed this morning and joined the boys straightway at Eden Gardens on the eve of their IPL opener against Kolkata Knight Riders. Clad in team jersey and shorts, Tendulkar remained at the ground for the entire two-hour long practice and gave attention to all the 26 Mumbai Indians players.
Also Read: Look who all are performing at the opening ceremony of IPL 8!
But the photographer's delight came later in the day when Royal Challengers Bangalore too checked in as Kohli got engaged in a long conversation with the iconic Indian. RCB, who start their campaign against Knight Riders on April 11, practised alongside the star-studded Mumbai Indians with coach Ricky Ponting.
Terming Tendulkar as an integral part of their side, Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma said: "He's been part of Mumbai Indians for the last seven years now." Sharma said Tendulkar's visit was not a surprise at all. "He's been an integral part of team ever since he started playing for MI and he continues to be. Whenever we need him, he's always there for us.
"It was just a strategy for tomorrow's game. He was just sharing his thoughts. Nothing much," Sharma said.
Rohit sounds upbeat about Mumbai's chances in IPL 8
On Knight Riders' mystery spinner Sunil Narine, who is back with a remodelled action, Rohit pointed out that he would bowl only four overs in a 20-over match.
"He has got the clearance and will want to prove a point. But it's not just him. There will be 16 more overs that will be bowled to us. That will be equally crucial. We have to look at their overall bowling unit, which looks very good. We will focus on the entire bowling unit rather than just one person." Rohit said it is not only Narine, but KKR's utility Indian recruits have had their share of success.
"They contribute as a team. Their Indian domestic players have got a fair bit of idea on how to bat in each wicket. Their domestic players did well last season. They also bat deep. But I think we have to focus on our strengths. Planning is important but it's more important to execute on the field," Rohit pointed out.
Aggressive captaincy may be the mantra post World Cup, but Rohit said he would react according to the situation."I would like to stick to my strength. I've been leading this side for last two years now, and had a fair bit of success. But yes, when there's a need I will be aggressive.
"It is important to maintain proper balance that you don't lose your calm in the middle. I will try and do what's best for the team," said Rohit.
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