Sachin credits youngsters in KXIP win

Mohali: Sachin Tendulkar acknowledged the brilliant batting effort by the young batsmen of Mumbai Indians as they recorded a stunning four-wicket win over Kings XI Punjab in an IPL match on Wednesday. Tendulkar, who skippered the IPL side in the previous four seasons, praised the trio of Rohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu and Robin Peterson for not throwing in the towel under pressure.

Tendulkar, though, felt he and James Franklin could have done better while opening the batting. "[The boys were] fabulous. We sort of made the foundation, but ideally we should have more runs on the board in the first six overs. The good thing was that we did not lose wickets up front," Tendulkar, said.

"Later, Rohit Sharma was charged up. Rayudu and Peterson were amazing," Tendulkar, who was presented a plaque by Kings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia for scoring 100 international hundreds, said.

Sachin praised the trio of Rohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu and Robin Peterson for batting well under pressure.

Asked about his monumental achievement, Tendulkar said, "I have put on some weight after that. Now it's back to square one. I am glad I have achieved it. Better late than never." Tendulkar, who celebrated his 39th birthday on Tuesday, also thanked all the fans who wished him. "It was wonderful that so many people wished me. I got many messages and I value all wishes."

Rayudu, who was declared Man-of-the-Match, said that Tendulkar had helped him in batting in the last three-four days and "it paid off today." Rayudu scored a match-winning 17-ball 34-run cameo while chasing 169 to win.

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