Last season two Mumbai youngsters stood out with their extraordinary performances in the Ranji Trophy, which not only brought the team its 37th Ranji Trophy title but also made people sit up and take notice.
Now, cut to Season II. Stylish batsman Ajinkya Rahane and medium-pacer Dhawal Kulkarni are keen to repeat their feats this year. Kulkarni picked up 42 wickets in nine games in his debut season, a performance that earned him a call up for the tour of New Zealand.
Talking about this season Kulkarni said: “The first match is very important. I want to get into the right rhythm early as it would help me for the rest of the season,” Kulkarni told DNA from Chandigarh. Rahane scored 1,089 runs from ten matches.
“I just want to keep things simple. There is pressure as people expect you to perform after a good season. However, I will start the new season as if it is my first season,” Rahane said.
The talented youngsters are in the reckoning for an India berth. Dhawal, who could not break into the playing eleven during the tour of New Zealand, does not want to miss any opportunity that comes his way. “My ultimate dream is to play for India. I want to produce an extraordinary performance,” added Dhawal.
Rahane too wants to graduate to the next level. “In my first two years I wanted to cement my place in the Mumbai side. Now, the next step is to make the higher grade and play for India. I have learnt a lot in the last few years,” Rahane said.
Skipper Wasim Jaffer is pinning his hopes on the two young Turks, who turned the tide for Mumbai last season.“Dhawal and Ajinkya were instrumental in us winning the title. If they continue to do well this year, the Ranji Trophy will be ours again,” said Jaffer.
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