Tendulkar backs Indians bid

Skipper Sachin Tendulkar is confident that the Mumbai Indians will emerge as genuine contenders in the second edition of the IPL.

Captain confident of Mumbai challenge

Skipper Sachin Tendulkar is confident that the Mumbai Indians will emerge as genuine contenders in the second edition of the Indian Premier League. The Indians just missed out on the semi-finals in the inaugural competition last year as Tendulkar saw his tournament blighted by injury. However, the 35-year-old is excited by his team's chances this time around with the action due to start in South Africa this weekend. "We are strong contenders," he declared. "We have some great players and that gives us a good combination. "At the Mumbai Indians we are a perfect blend of youth and experience. "This year we will be focusing on making good use of this blend in our team and will work to win the tournament." Tendulkar concedes he is disappointed that the competition has been forced to relocate to South Africa on security grounds, but believes the switch could benefit Indian youngsters in the long run. "It's disappointing that people here cannot witness the tournament at home and there will not be the kind of frenzied crowds you have in India," he added. "But, I don't think the interest levels will drop too much. "Playing in South Africa will help the youngsters. They will be rubbing shoulders with the top players in the world over a 45-day period. "In the future they may be selected to the national team and asked to tour abroad. "This experience would come in handy. There is always a first time and this will make them better players."