Mumbai, Apr 9: Former Sri Lankan Sanath Jayasuriya, currently out of the Sri Lankan limited overs side, is eager to make a mark for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League starting April 18 and stake a claim for a berth in the national team.

"I am looking forward to playing in the tournament and helping Mumbai Indians win the title. It would be a great thing in my career to open with Sachin (Tendulkar), the best player in the world. I am really happy to open with him," said Jayasuriya over a teleconference from Sri Lanka.

"I met up with him in Hobart during the one-day series in Australia and discussed the IPL. I always love to play for my country, but this is different with all teams having a mixture of players from various countries. I would give my best for Mumbai," said the former Sri Lanka captain.

Describing the Mumbai squad as a strong one, he pointed out that apart from himself and Tendulkar, the team had retired South African all-rounder Shaun Pollock, Dilhara Fernando and young Indian batsman Robin Uthappa.

"We have quite a few good players in Pollock, Uthappa, Loots Bosman (of South Africa). It's going to be exciting as we would be playing against other Sri Lankan players like Kumar (Sangakkara), Mahela (Jayawardene), (Lasith) Malinga and (Muthiah) Murali(tharan)," Jayasuriya said.

Jayasuriya, dropped from the Sri Lanka one-day team playing in the West Indies, maintained that he was fit and working hard for the IPL.

"I am young too. I am very fit and working hard. I want to perform with bat and ball," said the 38-year-old marauder from Matara in Sri Lanka.