We want to stay at the summit till the end

The IPL-4 has reached the halfway stage and we at the Mumbai Indians are pleased with what we have achieved so far. We have played eight games and managed to win six. Some were easy and some nail-biting encounters. But the overall result shows the depth and desire of the side.

In cricket, as in life, you are as good as your last outing. We are aware of what we need to do to keep the momentum going. Reaching the summit is easier than staying there and that's what we would like to do till the last ball of the tournament.

Sweat n toil
Looking back at the journey so far, there are several factors that have gone into making the side. What one witnesses on the field is the outcome of the efforts each member has put in.

Great equation
Looking back at the last game, one has to say we were a better side in all three departments. We started on a cautious note and didn't get too many runs in the first six overs. But Sachin Tendulkar and Ambati Rayudu batted well to get the momentum back. They have great synergy and enjoy each others' company. The Orange Cap is sitting nicely on Tendulkar's head and looking at his form, it will be difficult to take it back. I say it again that Rayudu is one of those cricketers who have improved a lot in recent times and I see him as the future of Indian cricket.

The good news is the form of Kieron Pollard. As we get into the business end of the tournament, the big fellow is getting into the grove. His big hitting gave us the much-needed impetus.

Though we were 15 runs short from our target, our bowlers defended the total with competence. We won the game in the first six overs where we didn't allow the opposition to score freely and made early inroads.

Special scalp
On a personal note, it was nice to take the wicket of good friend Adam Gilchrist. His wicket was a perfect start for us and our fielding and bowling didn't allow them to make a comeback in the game.

PMG