With Mumbai Indians getting back to winning ways with two back-to-back victories at home after five straight losses in the UAE, all-rounder Corey Anderson feels the defending Indian Premier League champions have soaked up the early pressure and are on track again.
"I guess there was lot more pressure being champions as well last year to come out and I guess dominate again. We are on track at the moment and if we can keep it going and get to the play-offs and then take it from there, then we will be doing well," Anderson told reporters at the 'Kingfisher Premium Bowl-out' event here today.
"I guess the main thing is you don't panic. We have won two now and (teams on) the table are actually not that far apart. Anyone is sort of biding for that third or fourth spot at the moment. It is still a long way to go. There are a lot of smart heads in the changing room. When they tell you not to panic then it makes you pretty humble because they have been there, done that," he added.
MI has a big support staff that includes Sachin Tendulkar (icon), Anil Kumble (mentor), Jonty Rhodes (fielding coach) and John Wright (head coach).
The New Zealand cricketer feels the pitches at the team's home fortress - Wankhede Stadium - are similar to those in his country and the five losses in UAE have made the team stronger.
"To be fair, the Mumbai pitch is pretty similar to a New Zealand wicket. It is all part of it. Learning and going through losses makes the team stronger as well and you have got to evaluate where you are," the 23-year old said.
Recently Kiwi commentator Simon Doull had said that Anderson was feeling the pressure due to his big price at the auction.
Reacting to the comment, the youngster said, "I guess everyone does. It is part of it. I think as cricketers we always want to perform as well, regardless of what we are getting paid. It is about, I guess, personal pride and trying to do as well as you can, every time you go out there.
