After what was a bitter-sweet season last time, the Mumbai Ranji team is finally looking as dominant as every die-hard supporter would want it to. The massive victory over Jharkhand is further evidence that the young team is moving in the right direction.
“It’s a good win,” said coach Chandrakant Pandit. “Whatever we had done in the first phase was remarkable, but the second phase is important, especially after the two-month gap and coming back from the shorter version. Any win is good, but this kind of win will give a lot of confidence.”
“I would definitely give credit to the selection committee and the chairman. He has openly told the players that he will not chop and change. When it [the message] comes from the committee directly to the bunch, it gives confidence.”
Last season, the 40-time champion was a side in transition. It still cannot be said that all the holes have been plugged. The opening combination still bears an unsettled look, with Jay Bista not complementing Akhil Herwadkar’s efforts. Yet, there are unmistakable signs that the rebuilding process is on the right track.
“We definitely have to think about that,” Pandit said, referring to the openers. “We always look forward to getting a good start. Jay Bista is young and has been performing in the under-23 level. Of course, he will learn. He hasn’t got many runs in his kitty, but we would like to develop him.”
“Last year, whatever the boys did, they still made it to the semifinals. This time, they look more composed in their attitude and approach.”
