Dhoni is a very balanced captain, says Tendulkar

After Rahul Dravid had decided to step down, I had suggested Mahendra Singh Dhoni's name for the captaincy and he has not let me down, says master blaster Sachin Tendulkar.
Despite the long wait, there are no regrets. Despite the long answers, there is no sense of boredom. Such is the charm of Sachin Tendulkar. The new brand ambassador of Jaypee Cements, Tendulkar spoke on the recent series win in New Zealand, the IPL and his Mumbai Indians side, among other issues.

On the win in New Zealand: The series win in New Zealand was fantastic. We broke the jinx by winning after a long wait of 41 years. This was something that was really satisfying.

On playing under MS Dhoni: He has been instrumental in elevating our performance. Our team's success under his leadership has vindicated my faith in him. After Rahul Dravid had decided to step down, I had suggested his name for the captaincy and he has not let me down.

On the multiple captaincy idea: It is not a matter of multiple captains but a matter of multiple strategies. Having one captain does not mean he does everything himself. Other players also give him suggestions. I am not criticising Buchanan's idea but we are not doing any such experiment with the Mumbai Indians. Let them (Kolkata Knight Riders) do whatever they want.

At Mumbai Indians we will do what we want. It is always nice for a captain to have more options. That is what we generally do.

On Mumbai Indians: We are strong contenders. We have some great players and that gives us a good combination.

On preparing for the IPL: At Mumbai Indians we are a perfect blend of youth and experience. This year we will be focusing on making good use of this blend in our team and will try to win the tournament.

Ishant eyes Sachin's scalp: Ishant Sharma, who plays for the Kolkata Knight Riders, has denied reports that he was in favour of John Buchanan's multiple captaincy idea. "I have not said anything like that. It will be good for the team if we have only one captain.

"Asked whose wicket he wants the most in the IPL, Ishant said: "There are many batsmen whose wicket I would like to take, but Sachin Tendulkar's would be special. He is the legend of the game."

Though the lanky bowler refused to pick his favourite team for the IPL, he said that winning would be crucial. "Maintaining the winning momentum will be important."

IPL in South Africa won't affect Indian following: Sachin

Batting genius Sachin Tendulkar Tuesday said Indian Premier League (IPL) has changed the face of cricket in the country and feels the shifting of the Twenty20 tournament to South Africa would not impact its following in India.
The IPL this year will be played in South Africa as it clashed with the general elections in the country.
'IPL has changed the Indian cricket. It is the first time in cricket that players from all over the world are competing against one another. It is a great opportunity for the younger players who get to rub shoulders with the top players,' Tendulkar said at a reception by Jaypee Group.
'It is disappointing for the Indians that the IPL has been shifted to South Africa. I am sure the BCCI did its best to hold it in the country. But I do not think that it will affect the popularity of IPL. It will be followed as much as it was last year.'
Tendulkar, who is the captain of the Mumbai Indians, said the team is prepared for the challenge.
'Mumbai Indians are a balanced team. We have a good blend of experience and youth. We have wonderful players in Sanath Jaysuriya, J.P. Duminy, Abhishek Nayar. I hope even this time our players will impress with their performance and have a terrific impact on all other guys,' Sachin said.
'Shaun Pollock and Jonty Rhodes are mentoring the team. The team has been practising in South Africa from past month, and Pollock and Jonty are guiding the team how to make the best of the condition,' he said.
Asked to comment on Kolkata Knight Riders multiple captain theory, Tendulkar said: 'I don't know what to say about the multiple captains but multiple suggestions always come to a captain.'
'I am only concerned about Mumbai Indians and don't have anything to say on this issue.'