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21-Apr-2010 03:07:00 GMT
IPL Semifinal, Mumbai v Bangalore at DY Patil Stadium

MI Coach Dismisses Home Advantage Factor

Mumbai: Mumbai Indians coach Robin Singh dismissed suggestions that his team would have advantage in Wednesday's IPL semi-final against Royal Challengers Bangalore by playing at home.

"I don't think any team has an advantage anywhere. You have to go out and do well. Every team has been beaten by every other team at some stage. Every team has the ability to beat any other team," he pointed out to support his view.

The two semi-final matches were scheduled at Bangalore before they were shifted to Navi Mumbai in the wake of the bomb blasts outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday before the commencement of the tie between RCB and Mumbai Indians.

"This is one game you have to play at your best. We have to go out and play solid cricket," he said.

He was also of the view that the big nine-wicket defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders last night would not affect the team's morale. He contended that they wanted to give rest senior players and try youngsters.

"We wanted to rest a few players and give opportunity to every one (in the team in the final league game against Kolkata Knight Riders) yesterday because we were in a position to do so," said the former India ODI all rounder.

He explained that the main players took a break and remained in Mumbai after the match against RCB as it was a long journey from Kolkata to Mumbai.

Tendulkar, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Kieron Pollard and Lasith Malinga were the players who were rested and the team slumped to a massive defeat at the Eden Gardens.

Singh did not want to reveal the team's composition for the semi final.

"How can I tell the team combination? If the Bangalore team can give its combination I am ready to give ours," he declared.


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