IPL 8: ‘Not able to cross that hurdle, plans need to be executed,’ says Rohit Sharma

Mumbai: Seeing an Australian cricketer walk with his arms over an Indian player’s shoulder is a rare sight. But the Indian Premier League bridged that gap. The Mumbai Indians (MI) may have lost their first three games this season but on Wednesday, at a city hotel here, they won hearts.

The franchise, which also works for equal educational rights for underprivileged children under the campaign ‘Education For All’ brought the MI cricketers and the kids under one roof.

Along with coach Ricky Ponting (who had his hands over Parthiv Patel’s shoulders), captain Rohit Sharma, chief mentor Anil Kumble, Jonty Rhodes (fielding coach), Shane Bond (bowling coach) – the whole class interacted, played cricket with the children.

The organisers managed to create a stadium environment with whistles and live commentary. From Lasith Malinga to Pragyan Ojha – everyone rolled their arms.

(Photo: Twitter)

Rohit took time out to reveal plans ahead of the high pressure clash against Chennai Super Kings.

“There are certain things, game plans which we have not been able to execute properly. We are still working on that. One needs to cross a hurdle and we are not able to do that yet. Batting or bowling – somewhere, something is lacking which we will soon rectify,” he said, after suffering three back-to-back defeats.

IPL 8: ‘I rushed to dismiss Corey Anderson, not a 100 per cent effort’

He was quick to point that MI was left swimming in a similar pool in 2014 from where they swam up the shore.

“Even last year, we were in a similar situation. But we did manage to rise. I have a feeling it is all about confidence. It is also important to keep the players in a comfortable space,” added the MI captain who believes the team prepared well for the cash-rich tournament.

“Now with the home match against Chennai Super Kings, it is important we forget the past. We should be positive and move on,” said Rohit, after spending time with the toddlers, who also performed in front of the cricketers.

Corey Anderson could not be traced in the gang and Rhodes preferred taking shelter under a tree to fiddle with his phone. Harbhajan Singh seemed to be the favourite of the kids.

(Photo: Twitter)