Sachin Tendulkar backs Kerala Blasters to perform well in upcoming ISL

The Indian icon unveiled the jersey of his team in the presence of the Kerala Chief Minister.

Thiruvananthapuram: Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who co-owns Indian Super League (ISL) franchise Kerala Blasters, said on Wednesday that he has a hugely talented side. The Blasters were impressive during the inaugural ISL season last year, eventually finishing runners-up. The team’s jersey was unveiled in the presence of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and the officials of the Muthoot Pappachan Group, who continues to be the principal sponsors for the second year in succession. After unveiling the yellow-coloured team jersey, Tendulkar said he always believed in the colour yellow. The entire Kochi Blasters team was also presented on the stage. “In the inaugural season last year, none of us knew when we played how it would go. As the games began and went forward, we had the full confidence that we could fill any stadium,” said Tendulkar. READ: Sachin Tendulkar, Shane Warne’s T20 series receives nod from ICC

“Slowly we started to win the hearts of people because of the way we carried forward. We have a hugely talented side and I have no doubt that this season our confidence levels are high after the training and the results will show. Please continue to support and love us. We are going to give our best and this time we are going to better our performance and we will continue to get better,” added Tendulkar who arrived here on Wednesday afternoon and left immediately after the event. READ: Sourav Ganguly to attend Indian Super League player draft

Chandy thanked Tendulkar for holding Kerala in high esteem. “We are also indebted to him as he was the goodwill ambassador for the National Games that was held here early this year and also for his role in the Kerala Blasters,” said Chandy. The seven home-matches of the Kerala Blasters will be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi with the first match to be held on October 6 against North East United FC. The team is coached by former England U-21 manager Peter Taylor and its marquee player is former Spanish midfielder Carlos Marchena. READ: Tendulkar hails fans for supporting ISL