MI need a stable opening partner for Sachin

That's what Mumbai Indians need for Tendulkar in today's clash against Deccan Chargers

MI need a stable opening partner for Sachin

That's what Mumbai Indians need for Tendulkar in today's clash against Deccan Chargers

Mumbai Indians batsmen have been clinical in the Indian Premier League (IPL) fourth season so far. But one of the hiccups as the tournament nears the play-offs is a stable opening partner for skipper Sachin Tendulkar.
The team think-tank has tried four different combinations (R Sathish, Davy Jacobs, Aiden Blizzard and James Franklin) with the Little Master, but no one seemed to click.

Mumbai Indians Sachin Tendulkar sweats it out during a net session
at Wankhede Stadium yesterday. Pic/Suresh KK

Mumbai Indians mentor Shaun Pollock admitted it is a concern. "We have discussed different options. Davy Jacobs was finding his feet, but broke his finger. Blizzard has played three matches. He looked good in the match at Wankhede (against Delhi Daredevils). But that's something we want to set right," Pollock said on the eve of today's clash against Deccan Chargers at Wankhede Stadium.

Mumbai Indians' mentor Shaun Pollock

The openers have not really set the tone for Mumbai Indians. Only twice have the opening batsmen managed to score more than 50 runs in 11 matches. "We want all our combinations firing before the play-offs," added Pollock.

Though Mumbai is virtually through to the play-offs, Pollock is eager that the team finishes in the top two. "Tomorrow is an important game. We want to be on top of the table. Our focus is to get in the top two as it makes it a bit easier. And to do that, we have to win every game. After the loss in the last match (against Punjab), it is important to get back to our winning ways," he said. Mumbai is in second position with 16 points from 11 matches.