Rohit Sharma dedicates his fifty to Sachin

Rohit Sharma's finest moment in international cricket came with Sachin Tendulkar at the other end, when India clinched the 2008 CB triangular series in Australia. On Sunday, Sharma got the opportunity of giving his master an apt birthday present by dedicating his half-century and Mumbai Indians' victory over Deccan Chargers to Tendulkar.

"There was an added motivation to play today (because it was Tendulkar's birthday). I dedicate this half-century and the victory both to him. This is a gift for him," Sharma told MiD DAY after his side's 37-run victory against Deccan Chargers.

Sharma, who played many a match-winning innings for his former side Deccan Chargers, said that he had a special connection with Hyderabad. "It's good fortune here (in Hyderabad). I've always done well here, I love this town. Today was one of those days and I thoroughly enjoyed my knock. It was his birthday so it was all the more special. When we were 70-4, I made it a point that I have to deliver. Like I said, there was more of a motivation to perform because it was our skipper's birthday," added Sharma.

The young batting star said the thought of playing against his former team didn't cross his mind. "I wasn't thinking about it (playing against my former side). It doesn't matter which side I am playing against. When I wear the Mumbai Indians jersey, I have to be faithful to them. We don't want to relax till we qualify for the semi-finals," said Sharma.

It was the 102-run partnership between former Deccan Chargers teammates Andrew Symonds and Sharma that powered Mumbai to a healthy total of 172-4.

"Symmo and I understand each other's game really well. Over the last three years we put on many great partnerships, and it was good to perform together once again. We both are natural stroke makers, so when he gets going, I always give him the strike," said Sharma.

Asked if being a part of a successful Mumbai side had helped him get over his omission from India's World Cup side, Rohit said: "It hurt not to be a part of the World Cup. But, it's IPL now. I have plenty of things ahead of me and I am not really worried about missing the World Cup now. I am excited about the future,"