Need to beat teams vying for semis: Tendulkar

14th May 2008

India's star batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who is all set to make his first appearance in the DLF Indian Premier League (IPL) tomorrow against the Chennai Super Kings, reckons that teams vying for a semi-final berth are the ones that need to be defeated to move ahead at this point of the tournament.

Tendulkar was not able to participate in any of the first seven matches that his side, Mumbai Indians have played so far in the tournament as he was recovering from a groin injury. He has completely recovered and is reportedly "not feeling any discomfort".

He feels that consistency is the key factor to survive in the league.

"There were some teams which started off well but fell off a bit midway and there are others who started badly and then have done well. It's all a question of momentum. We now know who are in contention for the semis. Those are the teams we have to beat," Tendulkar was quoted as saying at a pre-match press conference in Mumbai.

Currently, the leading teams in the tournament are the Shane Warne-led Rajasthan Royals followed by Kings XI Punjab captained by Yuvraj Singh. Chennai Super Kings are also in a strong position as they occupy the third spot.

Tendulkar indicated that though Chennai's MS Dhoni was a crucial player, they will have to be wary of other players like S Badrinath and Albie Morkel too, emphasizing that no player should be underestimated.

"Challenges for the team will always be there. It's not only about Dhoni. There are other batsmen too. Badrinath has made some runs. And there are others like Albie Morkel. We don't take anyone lightly," he said.

Tendulkar also praised the pacers from his side who helped Mumbai Indians gain three back-to-back victories and further suggested that Sri Lankan Sanath Jayasuriya will be one of the main players in the bowling combination for tomorrow.

"In the last three games, the seamers have done a terrific job. Sanath got important wickets in the match against Kolkata Knight Riders (at the Eden Gardens). Sanath will be a key bowler for us tomorrow," he said.

The Mumbai Indians will host the Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium.