Bravo credits Tendulkar for match winning knock

Bravo, and Robin Uthappa (37 not out) forged an unfinished partnership of 113 runs for the fourth wicket to guide Mumbai Indians past Sourav Ganguly-led Kolkata outfit and earn the first points for their team after four losses.

He aimed to finish on a high note before leaving for home to play for the West Indies against the mighty Australians. “Everyone at home is proud of my innings. I want to do my best in the next two games before leaving for home,” he said.

After the match against Delhi Daredevils on Sunday, Mumbai Indians have another tie coming up on May 7 against Rajasthan Royals.

Bravo, who replaced injured Sri Lanka pacer Lasith Malinga as one of Mumbai Indians’ overseas signings, saw many similarities between Tendulkar and Trinidadian compatriot Brian Lara and he had been fortunate to share the dressing room with the great duo.

“Brian is my hero. There are a lot of similarities between the two. I have been fortunate to share the dressing room with two of the greatest batsmen of all times,” he said.

The West Indian also spoke about Tendulkar’s inspirational presence in the dressing room though the ace batsman is yet to play in a match because of his groin injury.

“He keeps giving us his opinion which is valuable to us. Many of the youngsters in the team look up to him and they listen and get inspired whenever he speaks,” Bravo said.

Bravo also hoped that the master batsman would be fit for the team’s match against the Delhi outfit led by Virender Sehwag.

“Sachin today batted in the nets which is a good sign for us. It’s good to see him go through the paces. We are hopeful of him joining us soon,” he said.

Bravo felt that the victory over Kolkata has increased the team’s confidence. “It has boosted our confidence and we are looking forward to the games ahead,” the all rounder said.

On the Harbhajan Singh episode which marred the Mohali game against King’s XI, Punjab, the West Indian felt that none of the team members were able to control it.

“None of us were able to control it. The management has dealt with it. He’s a great player and leader. We miss him but we have to move on as a team and try to do better,” he said about Harbhajan’s slapping of S Sreesanth which resulted in him being banned from the event.