Mitchell McClenaghan: Asked Sachin Tendulkar for coaching session

Mitchell McClenaghan bowls during the match against SunRisers Hyderabad

Mumbai, April 26 (IANS) Mumbai Indians pacer Mitchell McClenaghan on Sunday said he asked legendary Sachin Tendulkar if he could give him a coaching session in the nets after wishing the maestro on his 42nd birthday on Friday.

"I wished him happy birthday on Friday and asked Sachin if he could give me a coaching session in the nets. I might have gone a little bit too far for Sachin's help," McClenaghan was quoted as saying by iplt20.com.

"He is a great man. He is good to be around for the young guys like me and guys who have looked up to him throughout their career. He brings a positive vibe to the group."

The Mumbai-based team registered their second win of the Indian Premier League (IPL), beating SunRisers Hyderabad by 20 runs on Saturday. Pace spearhead Lasith Malinga was awarded the Man of the Match award for his excellent bowling figures of 4-1-23-4. The Sri Lankan was well supported by McClenaghan, who picked up three wickets from four overs, conceding just 20 runs.

"It is nice to have a good personal performance but the most pleasing thing was seeing how we worked together. You have to bowl well, field well, put pressure and put your body on the line which brings the energy," the 28-year-old said.

"We worked well together. We were like brothers out there. Hopefully, we can continue to do that and keep working together and move forward as a team."

The team is coached by Ricky Ponting and the New Zealander said that the former Australia captain is very passionate about his job.

"I have a hell lot of interactions with Ponting about my game. He is very passionate, very competitive and he always wants to win," said McClenaghan.

Speaking about the team's bowling coach Shane Bond, the Kiwi said, "I have worked with Shane Bond for three years now and I can't speak more highly of the man. He is so organised in his work. He is someone who is always there when you want someone to talk about stuff.

"He is a great acquisition to Mumbai Indians and if we get a prolonged period under him, we will learn, evolve and we will get better."