IPL 8: Ricky Ponting Overshadows 'Mentor' Sachin Tendulkar as Mumbai Indians Clinch Second Title

After losing four matches on-the-trot, Mumbai Indians staged a dramatic recovery to finish second on the points table, crushed Chennai Super Kings twice - in the first qualifier and once again in the summit clash - to clinch their second Indian Premier League title. The sensational comeback was orchestrated by a star-studded backroom staff, led by coach Ricky Ponting. Sachin Tendulkar and Anil Kumble as mentors were not bad influences either and Shane Bond's role as bowling coach seemingly worked wonders. IPL Final Highlights | Scorecard

Mumbai Indians crushed Chennai Super Kings by 41 runs in a one-sided final at the Eden Gardens on Sunday, thanks to splendid performances by Rohit Sharma, Lendl Simmons, Harbhajan Singh and Kieron Pollard.

The crux of the playing XI remained unchanged throughout the tournament. While Corey Anderson and Aaron Finch were injured early in the season, Lendl Simmons and Mitchell McClangehan filled in brilliantly with runs at the top and wickets first up. An aggressive coaching staff decided the team's attitude had to change and who better to take charge than Ponting? The Australian legend is only the second captain to win two World Cups for his country and he would not have tolerated another fruitless year. Mumbai had made the final in 2010 before finally clinching the title in 2013. (Shane Warne Hints at IPL Return)

"These have been a special couple of months in my life. We worked hard and expected this. The first six games in the tournament were stressful. It was terrific to see the younger guys grow. And we probably played our best game on Sunday," Ponting said after Mumbai's thumping win.

Not many doubted the team's substance and talent. But they needed a push somewhere. Ponting had given up Mumbai Indians' captaincy midway in 2013 to let Rohit Sharma take over. That perhaps helped him command massive respect in a set-up with the likes of Tendulkar and Kumble. The Aussie's confidence with the unit and his own role was hard to miss.

"They are mentors and help out the guys if required. Sachin has been to a few of our team meetings and so has Anil but they have not been a constant around the team. We want to make sure that there are not too many voices going around and one message is passed to the team and individual players. It is important that the younger guys do not have too many messages going into their minds," Ponting told ESPNCricinfo. "They have enough going on in their minds as it is and it is important that they have a clear mind. The fewer voices, the better it is. Full credit to Anil and Sachin for knowing when to take a step back and waiting to be spoken to rather than trying to impose themselves on the group."

Tendukar, on Sunday also made it clear that he was in the team as a mentor and nothing more. There was absolutely clarity in roles.  "When I felt I needed to say something, I shared with the batsmen. As and when my inputs were needed, I was there."

Having imposed himself as the boss in the side, Ponting was precise about what he wanted from the team. He made it clear that he was there to win the IPL for Mumbai and stressed on tactics and mindset rather than skills. Like a typical Aussie cricketer, Ponting urged on the need to keep things simple and focus on execution. And Mumbai executed their plans to perfection.

Not often have Tendulkar and Kumble had to take the backseat. But Ponting, one of their greatest rivals, made that happen. Not many in the Little Master's home-city, will grudge that now.