Mumbai may be invincible in the longer version — Ranji Trophy — but when it comes to limited-over cricket, they are on a par with others. Of the seven editions of Ranji one-dayers, Mumbai have just won only two titles, not a great record for a side that has won 38 Ranji Trophy titles.
Their last one-day title came in 2006-07, under the captaincy of Amol Muzumdar. Last year, after winning the Ranji title, thay had come close but failed to qualify for the semifinals, losing to eventual champions Tamil Nadu in quarters.
Mumbai skipper Wasim Jaffer concedes that they are not as strong in the limited-over format as they are in the longer version. “It’s true we haven’t done well in one-dayers like we did in Ranji Trophy. We have seasoned and quality players for the longer version where you have the time to bounce back. But in one-dayers, it is different and time is less,” he says. The team leaves for Ahmedabad on Tuesday for the Ranji West Zone one-dayers commencing on Wednesday.
The stylish batsman stresses on the areas that the team needs to work on. “We have lots of young players for the limited-over format. We have to improve in all departments… We need to improve in the slog-over hitting too. We have the talent but we are in a
rebuilding phase,” he said.
Mumbai’s chief selector Padmakar Shivalkar feels that it is fine if Mumbai are not invincible in this format. “Nobody should be invincible otherwise there won’t be any tough fight between the teams and only one team would win. But I think our boys have to work hard to be the best. There is a lot of difference between the two formats. In the longer version you have to have the patience and temperament but in the one-dayers you have to be on top of your skills in lesser time,” said Shivalkar.
Jaffer though believes that Mumbai stand a chance to win the title this time. “Last year it looked almost we would fail to qualify but we bounced back with a bonus point in one match and qualified,” he signs off.
Waghela for Sharma
Rohit Sharma, who was sent as a cover for VVS Laxman, has not yet recovered from the ankle injury he suffered just before the first Test against South Africa in the VCA stadium, Jamtha. Hence he has been replaced by southpaw Praful Waghela in the Mumbai one day squad. “Rohit not being in the squad is a big loss. But this is the right opportunity for Praful to prove himself,” skipper Wasim Jaffer said.
Comments