Kumble tells MI players to keep emotions in check

Mumbai Indians team mentor has asked his players to keep emotions off the field in the Champions League beginning Tuesday. The T20 tournament will Sachin Tendulkar's last in the format.

Kumble said he wanted the 2011 champions to send a fitting send-off to Tendulkar by not getting emotional about his swansong.

"He (Tendulkar) has been synonymous with Mumbai Indians right from the start of Indian Premier League. I have played a lot of cricket with him. It would be ideal for the boys to give him a fitting send-off," Kumble told the team's official website Saturday. The leg-spinner is preparing the squad here for the competition.

"He has been a great contributor for Mumbai Indians all those years. Although he couldn't play in the last four-five games in the IPL 2013, but his contribution to the overall cause of the team has always been very important."

Another reason that could affect the team's performance is that it would be together for last time before fresh auction is held.

"Emotions can't be brought into a game. It won't help a players' performance. Emotions would obviously be there, but they have to be kept in check. We don't know what's going to happen in the next IPL. The rules of the auctions are not yet announced so it would be difficult to comment on it. But these emotions have to be kept in check," added Kumble.