IPL 10: We are counting on coach Jayawardene's experience, says Rohit Sharma

Over the last couple of seasons, the Mumbai Indians did not have a smooth entry into the play-off stages of the Indian Premier League. In the 10th edition of the tournament, its captain Rohit Sharma wants his team to be more consistent so that a similar situation doesn't arise this time.

“Of course, we would like to change. It's a long tournament, can't think about it too far head. We will have to break it into two parts. First, look into the first half and concentrate on it because the schedule this year is different from what it has been before. To be playing five games in first 18 days at home will be an advantage.

Taking everything into consideration, yes, last year was a little disappointing. We were not consistent enough in whatever we were doing. We played one brilliant game and then we were off a little in another. If you want to win the tournament you can't be inconsistent,” he said during the preseason press conference at a city hotel on Sunday.

Rohit said every individual has to take the responsibility. “Bowlers and the batters everybody have to take the responsibility and I am sure guys are aware of it and have played enough cricket to understand. Even domestic cricketers who have come in, they have been playing throughout the season and did actually pretty well for their state teams so they know what is expected.”

The stylish batsman is looking forward to work with Mumbai Indians new coach and Sri Lankan great Mahela Jayawardene. “Looking forward to working with him, seen him over the years from the other side but its finally good to have him. He has been one of the legends of the game.

The way he led his country and brought glory to the country is amazing. His experience and knowledge about the game are what I am looking forward to. I am sure once we get into the tournament at any given point, he will be able to guide us if we see ourselves in trouble and things like that. We have seen what he has done in Sri Lanka. Obviously, we are counting on his experience and knowledge of the game.”

Mumbai Indians have some serious talents with almost all the bases covered. And Rohit is pretty happy with a pleasant headache that he is going to have while picking the XI.

“We were just talking yesterday (Saturday). There is a lot of headache, not just foreign international but also our domestic players. We have got some great talent from the auction. Looking at the game we played yesterday (on Saturday) here most of them looked in great form. The way they were striking the ball, bowlers coming and hitting the deck hard, it was good as a captain to watch.”

Asked if there is any special talent that he spotted in the camp, Rohit straight away refused. “As a captain, I don't want to name anyone. It's not fair I don't want to put unnecessary pressure on that individual. I think it's better his performance do the talking all the time.”

Rohit said his team's performance was affected last year when they were asked to shift their base to Vizag due to drought controversy. He, however, said that it wasn't an excuse, but they have learnt from it. “Actually it did, to be honest, because it came at the last moment. It definitely didn’t suit our game in Vizag, but having said that it is not an excuse, whichever venue or conditions you have to play. You have to play and perform as a unit and that is what professional cricketers do.

Being the leader of the team, this is purely not an excuse of not qualifying. We wanted to qualify, but things didn’t go our way there. The pitches actually didn’t suit our game, probably we didn’t get adjusted to the conditions quicker, probably that was the reason. Having said that, it was a learning experience for us.”