Ponting: I knew we could come back strongly

After losing five of their first six matches at this year's IPL, the Mumbai Indians have made an astonishing turn-around and won their next five games in a row, which coach Ricky Ponting is delighted about.

Ponting used to play for Mumbai but is now their coach, and his first season in charge did not start off well. He lost two big names in Aaron Finch and Corey Anderson due to injuries, but his local players have certainly stepped up.

Having gone from bottom of the table to in line for the play-offs, Ponting told the IPL website of his delight: "What I have loved the most about this team is that when things have gotten the toughest, someone has stood up.

"Full credit to the players to show that kind of character when our backs were to the wall."

He added: "We have worked really hard – we worked hard before the first game as well, but things didn't quite go to plan.

"We knew that if we could string a couple of wins together, we would be able to come back strong.

"It is a scary thought for me that if we turn up one day and put together 40 overs of our best cricket, it is going to take a lot to beat us."

Veteran India spinner Harbhajan Singh turned it back on Ponting, crediting the coach's never-say-die attitude for the change in fortunes: "He has been very positive about things whether you win or lose.

"It’s the way he played cricket throughout his career. He always says give your 100 per cent and that’s what the boys are looking to do."

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