Jaipur: Dwayne Smith may have produced a blistering 58-ball unbeaten 87 at the top of the order but Mumbai Indians skipper Harbhajan Singh said today that the IPL outfit is still looking to get the right opening combination.
“We are still trying to figure out who is the best partner for (Sachin) Tendulkar,” Harbhajan said after his team crushed Rajasthan Royals by 10 wickets.
The skipper said the likes of Herschelle Gibbs and Smith give the team options.
“Gibbs has done well in a few innings, Smith did well today. It gives us options.”
Mumbai Indians batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and D Smith being congratulate by Rajasthan Royals players. PTI
Harbhajan further added, “Our fielding was probably slightly better than what RR did today. We wanted to come out here.”
Man of the Match Smith, who shared an IPL record 163-run opening-wicket partnership with Tendulkar, was pleased to bat with the veteran Indian.
“It was a great privilege to bat with Tendulkar. I have been opening for some time now, it was not new for me. It is good to get some runs, it is crunch time in the tournament now,” Smith said.
Dravid said they neede early wickets to put pressure on the Mumbai side.
“162 was not a bad score. We needed early wickets but when batsmen like Smith get going, it is tough,” he said.
Rajasthan finished with seven wins from 16 games in this edition of IPL, and Dravid said there have been a lot of positives.
“A lot of positives this season. I am going to spend some time at home, I have enjoyed it here. It has been good fun. I will relax and see how life is out of cricket. I will take a call when I have to.”
PTI
