IPL is full of surprises with crazy batting pairs and awesome bowling spells. However, this one will remain to something special even for the hardcore cricket fans to a maximum extent. The sixth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL 6) might witness the onset of a new opening batting partnership with two of the greatest batsmen the cricketing world has ever known, who will now join hands together much to the delight of everyone.
It is all about the utmost possibility of Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting stepping out together to open the batting for Mumbai Indians in IPL 6. For decades together, there was a kind of serene rivalry between the two players to outdo each other and played many memorable innings for Indian and Australia, their respective teams.
With the Mumbai based IPL franchise Mumbai Indians purchasing the former Australian captain for $400,000, there is every chance of Tendulkar and Ponting being at the crease to face the new ball. This will be one momentous occasion for the cricket fans for sure. Perhaps, this could be an occasion that cricket lovers would never be able to witness never ever again.
In the last five editions of IPL, Mumbai have gone through various opening combinations at the top with Tendulkar, but many have not worked. Sanath Jayasuriya, Richard Levi, James Franklin, Ryan McLaren, Dwayne Smith are the few names who have played as openers for Mumbai.
During the first two editions when Jayasuriya opened batting with Tendulkar, the Sri Lanka called it "the greatest thing" in his career to "open with the best player in the world." The legendary Sri Lankan had also said that he got to learn a lot from Tendulkar.
Interestingly, Ponting too has said the same thing that he will get to learn a lot from Tendulkar during his stint with Mumbai.
"We've played a lot against each other over the years and spent a little bit of time together off the field. I think I can still learn a fair bit from him as well. Hopefully he might even learn a few things off me," Ponting said.
After knowing about flash news of Mumbai buying him, Ponting sent a text message to Tendulkar and the Master Blaster replied in anticipation.
The Australian legend who recently announced retirement from playing active cricket for the national team has opened batting for Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League and will be hoping to team up with Tendulkar this year and take Mumbai to the IPL title.
Meanwhile, MI is on a new high ever since Tendulkar has been appointed as the skipper again. The Little Master replaces discarded off-spinner Harbhajan Singh who is out of form. The Mumbai will now be hoping to revive its sagging fortunes with Tendulkar back at the helm of affairs once again. Players of the stature like Ricky Ponting will be adding glitz to not just the team alone but for the entire tournament. Perhaps, this is one reason that why every player would be raring to perform at their best for the team always.
