Sachin Tendulkar’s presence galvanised Kerala Blasters in ISL 2014 final: David James

Tendulkar spoke to the side after their 0-1 loss to Atletico de Kolkata in the final yesterday.

Mumbai: Dec 21, 2014

Former England goalkeeper and World Cupper David James said that interaction with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and his presence as a co-owner of Kerala Blasters helped them “galvanise” as a unit during the just-concluded Indian Super League football tournament.

“Sachin has had some tremendous performances in his career and I found out that he has some bad ones here as well.

It was interesting to speak to another sportsman and I think that is what galvanised Kerala Blasters having Sachin as an owner,” James said during the post-match conference.

“And being able to talking away, and I don’t mean it disrespectfully like a movie star, but like someone who had experience and what he wanted his side to do in this competition,” the former Manchester City custodian said.

Blasters captain said that Tendulkar spoke to the side after their 0-1 loss to Atletico de Kolkata in the final yesterday.

“We spoke (with Tendulkar) after the match. He (Tendulkar) said that our team had won hearts and even he had lost here for Mumbai at some point in cricket matches. Big match maybe. It’s quite interesting to speak to a sportsman who has been through ups and downs,” James said.