There is no significant difference in the way stand-in and regular captains Harbhajan Singh and Sachin Tendulkar lead the team, feels Mumbai Indians's Ambati Rayudu.
“I think both of them are very similar,” the Andhra batsman said, speaking ahead of a training session here on Wednesday. “They guide all of us in a similar way. There's not much of a difference. It's all about playing as a team and both of them make sure that everybody is focused on their roles and what they need to do for the team.”
But though absent on the field, Tendulkar contributed considerably with his presence around the side, Rayudu added. “Obviously, we miss Sachin sir in the middle, but we have him in the dressing room helping us get our focus and giving us all the needed help and guidance. It's a great asset to have him around us.”
Though the top-order had failed in the opening two matches, Rayudu felt it was not a matter of great concern. “We are disappointed that it hasn't clicked in both the games,” he said. “It's a positive sign that we've won both games without the top-order clicking. I'm sure that if we click as a batting unit, we will be winning games more easily.”
Lasith Malinga has played a significant role with the bat in both victories, and the Sri Lankan, Rayudu revealed, had been ribbing his teammates about it. “He's actually pulling all the batsmen's legs,” he laughed. “The way he has played in both the games is really great. We hope he doesn't have to bat again.”
