Centurion, May 22: New Indian Premier League star Manish Pandey said his role model Sachin Tendulkar’s knock in the first match against the Delhi Daredevils gave him the confidence to make the most of the opportunity to open the innings against Deccan Chargers.

Pandey scored 114 not out to propel Royal Challengers to a 12-run victory over Deccan Chargers on Thursday that helped them finish third in the IPL standings. It was also the first century by any Indian player in the IPL.

Pandey said he drew inspiration from Tendulkar’s 46 against the Daredevils. "When I saw Tendulkar batting I somehow felt that I can also do it on this track. I am a great admirer of Tendulkar," he said.

Pandey also said it was the backing of the captain Anil Kumble and coach Ray Jennings that gave him the confidence to open the innings.

"In the team meeting he (Kumble) told me that I would open the innings. He said he has faith in me and told me to back my abilities. He said the track looked good and no matter how badly I played I would still score good runs," Pandey was quoted as saying in the IPL website.

"He (Ray Jennings) is a fantastic coach. He told me to play my natural game. He told me not to fear failure and to have fun in the centre." he said.

Pandey played three matches for the Mumbai Indians in the inaugural IPL. He batted twice and scored just three runs in one of those innings.

"It is amazing. I just thought I would back myself and it worked. I realised only when I reached 87 that I could make a century here. I wanted to grab the opportunity with both the hands. I am happy to match A.B. De Villiers’ feat of scoring a century in the IPL in South Africa.

"I told myself that I would play the ball on merit. Once I got my timing and swing of the bat right, I knew I could bat through the innings," he said.

— IANS