The Hindu : Sport : Team comes first: Tendulkar

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Monday, Mar 03, 2008
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Team comes first: Tendulkar

Sydney: Sachin Tendulkar said India would take a lot of confidence from Sunday’s win going into the second final in Brisbane on Tuesday.

He also stressed on team effort. Queried whether the shuffling of the younger batsmen in the order risked their positions in the team, Tendulkar shot back, “It’s not about risking your position. It’s about playing for the team.”

Special moment

Tendulkar said holding Sir Don Bradman’s bat on Saturday at the Bradman museum here was a special moment. “I would remember it,” he said.

Tendulkar said that contributing to the team’s cause in a tri-series final gave him immense satisfaction. “It is a special occasion. Australia is the No. 1 team in the world and it is SCG. Emotionally, when you win, everything else takes a backseat,” he said.

About the beamer from Brett Lee, Tendulkar said, “I know Brett well. It was not intentional. I was only telling him that he was answerable to my son who is his great fan.”

Tendulkar said he was not bothered by the critics. “I just allow them to talk. I have people who have guided me. I listen to those people,” he said.

Predicts bright future

Rohit Sharma was cool under pressure, said Tendulkar. “He has a lot of ability. The youngsters in the side are extremely talented. They all have bright futures,” said Tendulkar.

Tendulkar praised M.S. Dhoni’s captaincy. “He has led well. The atmosphere in the dressing room is good. It is very lively. Whenever I felt I was needed, I have offered suggestions to Dhoni. But, that is within the confines of the dressing room,” he said.

Ricky Ponting said his batsmen will have to perform in a do-or-die game in Brisbane. “The pitch at the Gabba should favour the pace bowlers more. We need to make use of the conditions,” he said.

Ishant injured

Meanwhile, paceman Ishant Sharma is a doubtful starter for the game in Brisbane.

Indian team manager Bimal Soni said, “He has a fluid collection on the middle-finger of his bowling hand. X-rays have not revealed anything serious but there is a swelling. His condition will be assessed on the morning of the match.”

The game at the SCG passed off largely peacefully though Harbhajan Singh, needled by a few spectators near the boundary, reacted with some anger. — Special Correspondent

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