IPL-8: Sachin Tendulkar is always there for Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma

MI mentor Sachin Tendulkar demonstrates a shot as coach Ricky Ponting (left) and skipper Rohit Sharma (right) look on

Kolkata: Playing at Eden Gardens is a challenge, Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma said yesterday, adding that he hoped to continuing his good run at the hallowed ground where he had scored a record-shattering double century for India last November.


MI mentor Sachin Tendulkar demonstrates a shot as coach Ricky Ponting (left) and skipper Rohit Sharma (right) look on. Pic/PTI

"You don't break records every day. I feel the innings that I played here will definitely be in my mind and going into the game the confidence will be there," said Rohit ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) opening game against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) today.

"Although it has been a long time and I like to be in the present, I will surely take that confidence into the game because I have played well here. I know the conditions well and what to expect from the wicket."

The right-handed batsman smashed 264 runs, the world's highest One-Day International (ODI) score, against Sri Lanka. He played 173 balls for his knock which included 33 boundaries and nine sixes, helping India win by 153 runs.

Rohit hailed the contribution of team icon Sachin Tendulkar, who was present here as the team hit the nets. "Sachin has been part of Mumbai Indians for the last seven years and this is his eighth year.

He has been an integral part of the team ever since he started playing for MI and whenever we need him he is always there for us," said Sharma, who was seen talking with the batting maestro in the nets.

The 27-year-old said that playing at the Eden against KKR was a challenge. "Playing at Eden is always a challenge. Every team has the right to use their home advantage which is fair enough."