Sachin Tendulkar Hardik Pandya
Sachin Tendulkar, Pandya brotherspose for a photo with the IPL trophy. (Photo: Twitter)

Former Indian batsman and Mumbai Indians captain Sachin Tendulkar served as the icon player for the franchise for the inaugural edition. While Sachin Tendulkar called time on his playing career in 2013 from IPL, he has been connected with the iconic franchise in some or the other way. The 47-year old delivered a heart-warming speech ahead of the final against Delhi Capitals.

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Mumbai Indians will partake in their sixth final of IPL when they face Delhi Capitals in Dubai on Tuesday. The defending champions stormed to the decider after beating the Capitals in the first qualifier by 57 runs in the same venue. Rohit Sharma’s men will arguably start as favourites since they have a complete side, covered with all the bases and hardly any chinks. Furthermore, all their key players are in blistering form to push for a record fifth title.

Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma. (Credits: Twitter)

Sachin Tendulkar reminded that everyone from the owners, to support staff, and a massive amount of public is backing them to do well, the team has to perform to their best ability to fulfil their expectations. Tendulkar was the skipper of the Mumbai Indians in 2010 that ended as runners-up but became successful three years later when the franchise lifted its maiden title.

When you know that right from the owners to our support staff, everyone is backing you, when you go out to play for the Mumbai Indians you know that it’s not just you as an individual, it’s the entire force which is with you, they are looking to push you and bring the best out of you, and do everything possible to help you stay at that level, to perform,” Sachin Tendulkar said in a video posted by the franchise’s official Twitter handle.

“It’s important that everyone stays together as a tight unit” : Sachin Tendulkar

Mumbai Indians
Trent Boult with Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock [Photo-IPL]
The highest run-getter in ODI and Test cricket emphasized that staying together as a family and having each other’s back is very crucial not only in sports but also in life since everyone faces challenges and ups and downs. Tendulkar praised the team’s ability to do that, especially in IPL, where things move at a breakneck speed.

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The first and the most important thing, it’s one family. We all stay together, through ups and down because in sport, or generally in life, there are going to be challenges, there are going to be speedbreakers along the way. Especially in this tournament where it moves at a phenomenal pace. It’s important that everyone stays together as a tight unit. We’ve been able to do that,” he added.