Mumbai look to reverse their fortune after a forgettable start to the 2015-16 Ranji Trophy season. Having conceded the first innings lead to Andhra Pradesh in the away game, the Aditya Tare-led team is gearing up to give visitors Punjab a tough fight.
Under the guidance of coach, Chandrakant Pandit, the young Mumbai team trained at the Wankhede Stadium ahead of the October 8 clash on Tuesday morning. Reflecting on the start that they had while speaking to media after the practice session, the former India player said, “We were looking forward to having a good start. But it is one of those things that happens (not being able to get a first innings lead in the drawn match). But it is also that, you can (now) get into a better position when you have this kind of an experience in the first game. It is not the end of the world, it is a long season (ahead). I think what I can see with the boys now is that they realise (what has happened). The impression that they give, (from) the body language (that I see) I think that they will definitely come back.”
Asked what did he tell them after the match, the coach explained, “After the match naturally (we spoke about) whatever we had to analyse about the game. Where we went wrong, what was the reason. There were key points that I had to discuss individually with them.”
“Today I spoke to players individually when the practice was on. I talked to them about the report (observations) that I have been preparing during the match. I explained to them what had happened in which situation. They have also been talking to me and they also accept that there are certain things that we could have done much better. I am sure that they realise and will comeback with a different approach. Ultimately it is Mumbai culture that we don’t give up (we can do it).”
Speaking about the opposition he said, “Punjab are a good side and the batting line-up is fantastic. (However,) we also have good fast bowlers and a good attack. The ball and bat game is only on the day that we start.Whoever plays well on that particular day will do well.”
“Yes the team (opposition) has done well, they have good players in the team but the feeling has not come that we are on the weaker side. I am not even saying that because we are playing at home but I don’t get that vibe so far,” he added.
“Former cricketers who have contributed to building the legacy like, Sachin Tendulkar, Amol Muzumdar etc also speak to the players as they look to regain the coveted trophy. As they look to do so, they are without some of their top cricketers who are on national duty. However, that is not new to Mumbai. “I never emphasize on the fact that some of the top cricketers are not there. Mumbai is used to that (in earlier years as well) and we have to get used to it and they are aware of it” Pandit said.
