Mumbai: Sobriety was the soul of Sachin Tendulkar’s answers after he named the Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) franchise team as ‘Mumbai Indians’, posed for pictures in front of the crest resembling a Sudarshan chakra in motion with an outline of India and was named the captain of the team.
Tendulkar said Mumbai Indians was a well-balanced team, like most other teams in the DLF IPL Twenty20 competition to be played from April 18 to June 1.
The Mumbai Indians will sport ocean blue, to which neither the BCCI nor IPL has objected, as its official team colour.
“I will get an opportunity to lead, plan strategy and provide excitement to the fans. The IPL is going to be a super hit. It will be an evening out for the family. And, it’s a privilege for me to lead the Mumbai Indians,” he said.
Tendulkar said the Mumbai Indians would have a good combination of seniors and youngsters and would be looking forward to whip up support from the followers of the game in Mumbai.
“I want Mumbaikars to support Mumbai Indians. We will play in the right spirit.
“Thirty years ago, one-day cricket provided all the excitement, 30 years later I will be happy to say I was part of the inaugural IPL and how all the players enjoyed playing it.
“I wish all the franchise teams and players my good wishes and hopefully there will be plenty of entertainment. It provides plenty of spills and thrills in three hours. It’s a game for the 5-year-old and the 80-year-old, and students don’t have to bunk school or college,” he said.
Finally asked about his availability for the home series against South Africa, he said: “As far as I am concerned, I am fit.”
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