Iqbal, Harmeet are the finds: Wasim Jaffer

How do you look back at the season?
Last year, things were rather smooth. We didn’t have to do much. Our bowlers were the real stars. This year, we have had to work hard to earn every single point. I won’t say our bowlers failed. They tried hard and put in their best. But yes, they couldn’t register a single five-wicket haul. We bowled over 100 overs in all games but one.

What has been Mumbai’s biggest gain?
It has to be Iqbal Abdulla and Harmeet Singh. With Ramesh (Powar) injured early in the season, it was important that these young spinners performed. And I believe Harmeet is one for the future. In two games, he picked up 12 wickets and he’s certainly beyond his age (17).

Has Dhawal Kulkarni’s lacklustre show bothered you?
Not really. It’s true that he was the top wicket-taker last year. However, you shouldn’t expect a player to have a dream season year after year. What’s impressed me is his attitude. Even though he didn’t get too many wickets, he bowled his heart out. He gave his best. That matters too.

Are you missing the likes of Amol Muzumdar?
Players like Amol are difficult to replace. You need to have the right kind of backup. However, Rohit Sharma’s availability really helped us. But yes, it’s been hard work for us.

Mumbai registered just one ‘outright’ win this season…
The wickets weren’t helpful. Last year, we had five wins out of seven league games. The pitches favoured both batsmen and bowlers. This year, even the CCI wicket was slow. The bowlers had to really break into a lot of sweat. Our catching too (against Punjab and Hyderabad) was poor.

Do you evaluate your performance as skipper?
You should ask my team that. But yes, it’s been a different season compared to last one. It’s a learning experience. I would say I am happy with my team’s show. Not content, though.

What keeps you going?
I want to perform as long as I play cricket. The pride of representing, captaining and performing for Mumbai keeps me going. Moreover, you need to keep scoring runs so that the selectors keep thinking about you.

What’s your advice for Rohit Sharma?
I think he is quite matured and he doesn’t need my advice.

Do you think he can fit the bill in Tests too?
I reckon he should have been considered last year itself. He scored a hundred against the touring Australians. He also smashed two tons in the Ranji Trophy final. That’s a rare feat. These are not small performances. But it wasn’t noticed or taken seriously.

What do you expect from Delhi in the semis?
They are team to watch out for. Chased 470-odd runs against a top team like Tamil Nadu is no joke and with Ishant Sharma available, Delhi can’t be taken lightly.

Do you feel the Ranji knockout games should be five-day affairs?
Yes. In a five-day match, you have the opportunity to stage a comeback. A result is also possible. When it’s a four-day game, teams look to attain the first innings lead. No one tries to push for a win.