Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma has urged his side to make one final effort at the Eden Gardens and clinch the Indian Premier League title by defeating Chennai Super Kings.
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It has been a remarkable campaign for Mumbai who lost five of their first six matches but turned it around by winning eight of their last nine games on way to the final.
Sharma is keen to extend that run by lifting the crown for the second time following their success in 2013.
“At the end of the day, you wait for this all important day to win the Cup,” he said.
But first, we have a challenge for you @mipaltan fans – Can you Hi5 to cheer for #MI? #UnitedByGoodTimes #CSKvsMI pic.twitter.com/ehIW1EBMo7
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“No matter what we have done in the past, if you don’t win the final all your hard work will go in vain. We don’t want that. We completely agree we didn’t start well but we always believed there’s character in the team.
“We’re lucky that we’re in this position and it’s because of all the hard work we have put in over a month and a half. We have the potential, it was a matter of putting it together and translating it into victories.
“As a captain it’s important for me to say it’s one last effort we need. We are really determined to turn the tables (on Chennai).
“I’m pretty sure the boys are experienced enough to know the importance of the match,” he added.
#IPL2015 final: Rohit needs another 15 to become 2nd to score 500 vs #CSK http://t.co/yCGOs4M4rJ #IPLFinal pic.twitter.com/skj4F3NQpt
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It will be Mumbai’s third meeting with Chennai in the final, both teams having won once each.
Although Chennai hold the edge having played six finals in the past and won the title twice (2010 and 2011), Mumbai are the in-form team. They have defeated Chennai twice in three meetings this season. But Sharma doesn’t want to rest on past laurels and insists his team has to come good on match day.
“I don’t think too much about this mental edge. It’s important what you do on that particular day,” he said.
Sharma feels the four-day break after the first qualifier has been a boon after being on the road for nearly two months.
Mumbai’s 25-run victory in their last game against Chennai meant they were the first team to enter the final while MS Dhoni’s side had to play the second qualifier to make it to the deciding clash.
“I think the break really helps. It definitely helps you prepare better.
“It is important to get that freshness back. We all want to be relaxed and rejuvenated before the all important game.”
