My wicket was crucial but we should have got 121, says Ganguly

Pune, May 4: Describing his wicket as the turning point of the match, Pune Warriors captain Sourav Ganguly yesterday said that his side should have overwhelmed the 121-run target set by Mumbai Indians in their Indian Premier League match here.


Set to chase Mumbai's modest total of 120 for nine, Pune lost wickets at the top, and it took a 47-run fifth-wicket stand between Ganguly (16) and Mithun Manhas (42 not out) to keep the home team in the hunt.

But just when it was time to capitalise on the partnership, Ganguly was cleaned up a brilliant Lasith Malinga in the last ball of the 17th over.

"It was not an easy wicket, the ball did not come on to the bat. But we should have got to 120. We lost a few wickets early. When I got out was the turning point of the game," said a visibly disappointed Ganguly after the match.

Victorious skipper Harbhajan Singh lauded his bowlers and fielders for putting up a gritty display in the face of adversity.

"The pitch was slow, low and it was difficult to play your strokes. We did not expect the pitch to play this way, bowlers would love to bowl here. Our bowlers did a great job," he said.

Good to surrender to subconscious mind while playing, says Sachin

Pune, May 4: Notwithstanding his perfectionist image, Sachin Tendulkar believes that “surrendering” to the subconscious mind while batting can be a good idea.


“It is good to surrender yourself to the subconscious mind (while batting). The conscious mind can sometimes create problems,” he said in an interaction with budding cricketers of a local club here yesterday.

Stating that nobody can be perfect despite best preparation, the master blaster asked the young cricketers not be scared of making mistakes.

“A player has to make mental adjustment and self-belief is important. If you believe in your ability, you can take on any opposition,” he said.

On the temperament needed in T-20 format, he said, “Things depend on the team composition. There is no particular formula. You have to play your assigned role. If you are supposed to hit out and if you get our doing so, you should not regret.”

Asked how much importance the team meetings hold, Sachin said they are desirable to the extent they boost the players’ confidence, but the exercise could be counter-productive if it involves “grilling and raising too many questions”.

“What a sportsman needs is a clear and healthy mind,” he added.