Led by Omkar Gurav, hosts lift title third time in succession, beating Punjab University by nine wickets.
Vijay Shirke is a happy man. Shirke, a member of Sanjay Manjrekar-led Mumbai University side that won the Rohinton Baria Trophy way back in 1984-85, was proud when the home team completed its hat-trick of titles (2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10) on Wednesday under his tutelage.
The Mumbai University — led by Omkar Gurav — got the better of Punjab University by nine wickets in the Inter-university Inter-zonal cricket tournament, which concluded at the Bombay Gymkhana. Shirke said that the boys were mature and the secret for the triumph was the hard work and the unity among players.
The most difficult task, according to Shirke, who is a Level 1 coach at the MCA, was to defeat SRM University of Chennai in the semifinals. “The SRM University has been one of the strongest sides in this tournament. After our title in 84-85, we were on course for a double in 85-86, the Chennai University dashed our dreams in the semis,” Shirke told DNA.
“They have always been sharp and articulate. It was a challenge for us to defeat them this time. I told the team if we get past Chennai we can win the trophy easily,” he added. Shirke was surprised when he got a call from the MCA asking him to take up the challenge. “I didn’t know the boys but things went of smoothly as they were cooperative. I did not have problems as manager Rajesh Sonawane has been with the team for the past few years and knows everyone,” he said.
Rajesh Sonawane, who has been a part of all the three wins, said the boys were upbeat even before the start of the tournament. “They were keen on completing the hat-trick. Kaustubh Pawar, Vishal Dhabolkar, Bravish Shetty have done excellent jobs,” Sonawane added.
Brief score: Punjab University 238 & 142 in 40.2 overs (R Singh 60, V Dabholkar 4/28) lost to Mumbai University 303 & 78/1 in 11.1 overs. MoM: Kaustubh Pawar, MoS: Vishal Dhabolkar, Best batsman: Bravish Shetty
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