Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar shared valuable insights on handling pressure and building a winning mindset during an interaction with the Mumbai team ahead of their Ranji Trophy quarterfinal against Karnataka. The high-stakes clash between the 42-time champions and eight-time winners will be played at the MCA-BKC Ground from February 6 to 10, with Mumbai aiming to carry their strong domestic form into the knockout stage.
Tendulkar, a former Mumbai captain and one of the most respected voices in Indian cricket, spent time with players and the coaching staff at the BKC facility in an open, interactive session. Rather than delivering a conventional pep talk, the interaction focused on practical aspects of preparation, mindset, and coping with pressure in do-or-die matches.
“We were lucky to be graced by Sachin sir’s presence in the dressing room today. Rather than just a pep talk, it was more of a Q&A session,” Mumbai skipper Shardul Thakur said. “Players and coaches asked a variety of questions about preparation, winning mindset and handling pressure in tough situations.” Thakur added that Tendulkar’s guidance has consistently helped the squad stay grounded and confident in crunch moments, especially in knockout cricket where margins are thin.
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Mumbai head into the quarterfinal with a timely boost in personnel. Thakur himself has returned to full fitness after recovering from an injury sustained during the Vijay Hazare Trophy and resumed bowling in Mumbai’s final group-stage match against Delhi.
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Our very own legend, Sachin Tendulkar, visited the MCA ground at BKC today to interact with and inspire the Mumbai team ahead of the upcoming Ranji Trophy Elite fixtures.
His passion for Mumbai cricket remains as strong as ever as he continues to motivate generations of players,… pic.twitter.com/wpcIDlgZFS
— Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) (@MumbaiCricAssoc) February 4, 2026
India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has also rejoined the side, marking his second appearance for Mumbai this season after featuring against Rajasthan earlier in the tournament. His presence adds firepower at the top of the order, a crucial factor in pressure games.
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The hosts topped Elite Group D with four wins and three draws, underlining their consistency across conditions. Karnataka, meanwhile, sealed their quarterfinal spot with a dramatic group-stage win over Punjab, setting up a contest between two of Indian domestic cricket’s most storied teams. With the Wankhede Stadium set to host T20 World Cup fixtures from February 7, the MCA-BKC Ground will stage this marquee Ranji Trophy encounter, where experience, composure, and preparation could make all the difference.
