Mumbai Indians are strong contenders: Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar, the skipper of the Mumbai Indians is highly confident about his team’s bright chances in the second season of the Indian Premier League.

The Mumbai Indians, who missed the semi-final spot by a whisker in the inaugural edition of the tournament, now look a strengthened unit after procuring some quality players in the second IPL auction.

Tendulkar, who missed the initial matches in the first season due to injury, will make a paramount difference with his presence right through series this time around. The in-form master blaster is booming with positivism as he declared, "we are strong contenders, we have some great players and that gives us a good combination.”

Sachin also looked immensely satisfied with the balance of his team and believes the Mumbai franchise has what it takes to be on the top.

“At the Mumbai Indians we are a perfect blend of youth and experience.”

"This year we will be focusing on making good use of this blend in our team and will work to win the tournament,” Tendulkar was quoted as saying.

Tough the batting maestro voiced his disappointment on the IPL being staged away from India, he looks at the shift as an opportunity for the younger players to gain valuable experience playing on the foreign soil and learn in the long run.

"It's disappointing that people here cannot witness the tournament at home and there will not be the kind of frenzied crowds you have in India, but, I don't think the interest levels will drop too much,” he opined.

"Playing in South Africa will help the youngsters. They will be rubbing shoulders with the top players in the world over a 45-day period.”

"In the future they may be selected to the national team and asked to tour abroad.

"This experience would come in handy. There is always a first time and this will make them better players."