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The 'positive' force behind Mumbai Indians

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April 20, 2015 09:35 IST

Ricky Ponting's positive attitude and calm demeanour played a huge part in keeping the team together

‘We also have Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar, lot of wealth we have in the dressing room, which obviously helps’

Jonty Rhodes and Ricky Ponting

Mumbai Indians' Jonty Rhodes and Ricky Ponting. Photograph: BCCI

Relieved after ending a four-match losing streak, Mumbai Indians' spin spearhead Harbhajan Singh said head coach Ricky Ponting's positive attitude and calm demeanour played a huge part in keeping the team together in tough situations.

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"He (Ponting) is a very positive cricketer. He has been very positive about things whether you win or lose. He always says give your 100 per cent and that's what the boys are looking to do," he said after the 18-run win over Royal Challengers Bangalore.

"The boys had lost four games and yet he stayed calm and composed. He has been fantastic with the team. Moreover, under Ponting's guidance, many youngsters like Unmukt Chand would help themselves to become a better cricketer, especially in the backdrop of his achievements of winning three World Cups for Australia.”

Sachin Tendulkar

Mumbai Indians icon player Sachin Tendulkar speaks with Mumbai Indians' Pawan Suyal. Photograph: BCCI

Apart from Ponting, Mumbai Indians also have Anil Kumble and Sachin Tendulkar in the dressing room as mentors which motivates players, Harbhajan said.

"We also have Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar, lot of wealth we have in the dressing room, which obviously helps us to go out there and do something for the team," he said.

Asked whether Mumbai Indians have found the right rhythm and combination, Harbhajan said batting was not a concern even in earlier games.

"In the last two games, we batted well. We were thinking to do something about our bowling and fielding. We have the best bowling attack in this competition," he said.

Harbhajan further said bowlers have to be brave to create chances and take wickets because the T20 format is cut out for batsmen and lavished praise on Yuzvendra Chahal who conceded 27 runs in four overs.

"This format is batsmen-friendly. Bowlers have to be brave and take wickets and produce chances. I think Chahal was fantastic for RCB. He bowled so well that he gave away 27 runs in four overs," he said.

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