Mumbai team’s practice session at the Wankhede on Wednesday, the eve of their Ranji Trophy Group A league match against Vidarbha, was a routine affair. Nets followed by stretching were the order of the day before the players headed to the dressing room, one at a time. On the other hand, underdogs Vidarbha, had an extended session. The nets were followed by fielding practice and then the warm-downs. They did everything together and also returned to the dressing room as a unit.
Perhaps, that was the sign the visitors were keen to show. To pose a threat as a team to the high profile opponents. Playing against Mumbai for the first time in Ranji Trophy, Vidarbha are excited to take on Mumbai. They may not have the achievements or the players like the 40-time Ranji champions do, but they certainly have the will and the confidence.
Vidarbha coach Sairaj Bahutule, a former Mumbai captain, calls it a “big occasion for his team”.
“We may not have the skills like Mumbai, but we do have the belief in ourselves. It is a fantastic opportunity for the boys and they are really excited,” said Bahutule. Mumbai have a galaxy of stars like Wasim Jaffer, Zaheer Khan, Ajinkya Rahane, Abhishek Nayar, Aditya Tare and Iqbal Abdullah.
Vidarbha, on the other hand, will rely heavily on India pacer Umesh Yadav, their only international star, along with veteran Hemang Badani, former Tamil Nadu and India left-handed batsman.
Vidarbha may work as a unit and have the belief, but it will still not be easy as Mumbai are on a roll this season, having won two of their three matches. And, they have been in great form in all the departments.
However, all eyes will be on two South Africa-bound bowlers Zaheer Khan and Yadav who will be keen to make the maximum use of the conditions that the Wankhede pitch will offer leaving for SA.
Playing today
Group A: Mumbai v Vidarbha, Mumbai; Haryana v Punjab, Rohtak; Jharkhand v Gujarat, Jamshedpur; Odisha v Karnataka, Cuttack
Group B: Baroda v MP, Vadodara; Raj-asthan v UP, Jaipur; Services v Bengal, Delhi; TN v Saurashtra, Chennai
Group C: Andhra v Maharashtra, Cuddapah; Goa v Tripura, Porvorim; HP v Assam, Dharamsala; J&K v Kerala, Jammu
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