Team spirit ultimately got Mumbai Indians through: Nita Ambani
The quality of cricket not withstanding, IPL stands out from international cricket for the presence of its star owners. At the inception of the IPL, there were stories galore of how the owners would be too demanding of the cricketers. With the passage of time, the owners have come to terms with the need for patience to produce results in sport. It took Mumbai Indians six years to win their first IPL. After beating Chennai Super kings at the Eden Gardens in 2013, they have now done it all over again, at the same place, against the same opposition in 2015.
Speaking exclusively to India Today, team owner Nita Ambani drives home the point of how the owners stood by the team even when the chips were down. "The first four games didn't go our way. It's not easy to digest four losses. We were wondering what was going wrong in the dressing room but the team stayed together and that ultimately got us through," she said.
Wife of one of India's richest businessman Mukesh Ambani, Nita introduced herself to IPL from season 2 onwards and has since been a regular at all MI games. Now joining forces with her in the owners dug out has been son, Akash, who shares the joy being a part of a winning IPL dressing room. "I remember there was positive environment even when the results didn't come. That's what makes teams successful. These are international stars who know how to bounce back. They always maintained great team spirit and it feels great to be a part of this team," he said.
One of the talking points around Mumbai Indians has always been their top heavy support staff - an icon in Sachin Tendulkar, Mentor in Anil Kumble and head coach in Ricky Ponting. This year they have all come together to win the Cup back. "Its great to have legends support the youngsters. With so many of them around our youngsters like Hardik Pandya and Suchith have benefited a lot," she said.
One of leading architects of this year's win and the team's most energetic member Harbhajan Singh has earned back his India cap this year, on the back of three back to back consistent performances in IPL. "I am so happy for Bhajji. His return to Team India has made us very happy," Nita Ambani says.
A 15000 strong crowd has assembled to witness their winning team's victory lap in their home territory. Soaking in the celebratory atmosphere at the Wankhede after the win, Akash Ambani signs off, thanking the fans for the success. "Wankhede has always given special atmosphere to us. I have travelled to all grounds and it's been nothing like it is here. We are now ready to celebrate."
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