Learning leadership skills from Ponting, says Rohit

Mumbai, April 27 (IANS) Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma said on Monday that having two-time World Cup-winning captain Ricky Ponting in the side as coach helps him learn a lot about leadership skills and qualities.

"Whenever I get the opportunity to captain a side, it is a learning process for me. Also I am working alongside a great skipper Ponting who has led-Australia to two World Cup wins. He has lot of ideas, how to win big tournaments. The way he monitors the team, talks to the team is a great learning experience," Rohit said at a promotional event here.

Mumbai Indians are yet to put up a consistent show in the ongoing tournament having lost five out of their seven encounters.

They have legends Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Anil Kumble as part of the team as icon, coach and mentor. But still their performances have been average.

But Rohit is not losing sleep over it and is looking forward to the coming matches.

"We have to accept our performance has been poor. Winning two matches out of seven we know we have not performed well. But nothing's over yet. In 2014 we were in the same situation losing earlier matches and then qualified for play-offs," he said.

"That doesn't mean we will keep on losing initial matches in years to come. It has to be seen that a couple of boys were suddenly injured and one missing. It affects the combination of the team."

A confident Rohit further added, "But we still have a quality squad. We have a good batting and bowling attack. We have to now keep being positive and keep performing well as a unit."