Saturday, May 29, 2010

IPL parties not responsible for T20 World Cup debacle: Tendulkar

Pune: Contradicting Mahendra Singh Dhoni's views, senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar on Friday said IPL parties cannot be blamed for India's debacle in the recent Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies.
India could not reach the semifinals of the Twenty20 World Cup and skipper Dhoni said late night parties and continuous travelling during the Indian Premier League took a toll on the players' body.
Tendulkar, however, begged to differ and said every player should be aware of their responsibilities.
"Parties and performance are two different things that cannot be related and every player should know his responsibility," Tendulkar told reporters after laying foundation stone of an extension of Deenanath Mangeshkar hospital.
Besides, Tendulkar said parties are not new in cricket. "Parties used to be held even in the past," he said, laying stress on observing individual's discretion in the matter.
Tendulkar, who led Mumbai Indians to the final of IPL 3, said he avoided the parties since he wanted to be fresh for the next day's match.
"I did not go for any of the IPL parties. I always wanted to be ready for the next match," he said.
Tendulkar said every player should know how his body reacts and follow certain things to carry out his duties and responsibilities.
Arguably the greatest batsman ever, Tendulkar said it was important to "understand your body" and strike a balance between play and rest.
"Physical fitness helps you in being mentally tough, enhancing you confidence level," the 37-year-old said.
"When pressure builds up in the game I try to focus on the next ball with calmness without thinking of the future course of the match.
"My mood undergoes a change before every match as I start mentally preparing myself for the game," he added.

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