IPL effect: Harbhajan praises 'fantastic' Ponting

Bengaluru, April 20: Relieved after ending a four-match losing streak, Mumbai Indians' (MI) spin spearhead Harbhajan Singh said head coach Ricky Ponting's positive attitude and calm demeanour played a huge part in keeping the team together in tough situations.

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"He (Ponting) is a very positive guy. The way he played cricket throughout his career. He has been very positive about things whether you win or lose. He always says give your 100 per cent and that's what the boys are looking to do," he said after the 18-run win over Royal Challengers Bangalore here. (Pollard's bizarre act)

File photo: Harbhajan and Ponting celebrating during MI's match at IPL

"The boys had lost four games and yet he stayed calm and composed. He has been fantastic with the team. Moreover, under Ponting's guidance, many youngsters like Unmukt Chand would help themselves to become a better cricketer, especially in the backdrop of his achievements of winning three World Cups for Australia.

"I hope under his guidance lot of youngsters will know how to bat in different situations, which will help them to become better cricketers," he added.

Apart from Ponting, Mumbai Indians also have Anil Kumble and Sachin Tendulkar in the dressing room as mentors which motivates players, Harbhajan said.

"We also have Anil Kumble, Sachin Tendulkar, lot of wealth we have in the dressing room, which obviously helps each and everyone of us to go out there and do something for the team," he said.

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PTI