With the highest number of wins in the league phase of the 2015-16 season of the Ranji Trophy, Saurashtra are in a good form as they seek their maiden title of the prestigious domestic tournament. The Jaydev Shah-led team, which had lost to Mumbai in 2012-13, will take on the Aditya Tare-led team in Pune from February 24.
They have made it to the final for the second time in four seasons. After being relegated to Group C, they have risen again to stake a claim at the title once again. “It is a very big thing for us. We have been playing as a team and he (Shitanshu Kotak) has been the coach with us for two years. We went to Group C and from there we have reached the finals, which is a very good sign,” the Saurashtra captain said.
Asked if the experience of the previous final will help, the skipper said, “Yes, I think the experience counts. Whenever you play a final, it’s a new game. Mumbai is a very good side. I think we will have to play our best and play to our 100 per cent (potential) to beat them.”
Speaking about the opposition, he further mentioned, “We are not focusing on individuals. They have got good batsmen and bowlers. Just like us, they are in good form. We are also playing as a team. Let’s hope we get them out as quickly as possible and we can get a good lead.”
“See, Mumbai obviously is the 40-time winner. A lot of people asked me about what happened in the last final in 2012-13, but we shouldn’t forget that the last time we played them in the final, Sachin Tendulkar was playing along with Ajit Agarkar and Wasim Jaffer. They definitely have good players in the side, but those three I don’t think you can match. I think it will be an even contest,” Kotak added.
“(Shreyas) Iyer is doing well, (Aditya) Tare and Surya (Yadav) are doing well. (Abhishek) Nayar is there. They have bowlers who are doing well. (Shardul) Thakur is bowling well. We wouldn’t take any team lightly; never with Mumbai,” the coach stated.
Speaking about the contest, the Saurashtra coach said, “It has to be an all-round contest. You can’t rely on a single department on this sort of a wicket. The only thing I see is spinners will have a very little role to play, but again, it’s a five-day game. We can’t really predict that far.
“The only thing I hope is the toss doesn’t get too vital. (But) That time will tell. It will be the same for either side. I am hoping for an even contest. We’ve got senior players, India players, good youngsters and a very experienced captain; the highest number of matches he has captained in India so all credit to him. We just have to put it there right and we have got to execute it. We will try and keep it simple,” Kotak said.
One of the positives for the team is the form of Cheteshwar Pujara. The top-order batsman scored a vital century in the semi-final and is keen to post another big knock in the last game of the season. Pujara, who was away on India duty when the teams faced-off in the 2012-13 final is keen to make his presence felt this time. “I am very excited. The best part is that I have the experience of playing at the international level. We are all excited about the Ranji finals. It's my first Ranji final. We will stick to our plans and try and do what best we can do rather than worry about who we're up against. We will focus on our team plans. We executed our plans really well in the quarterfinals and semifinals, so we will look to repeat the same,” Pujara said.
Reflecting on his innings in the knock-out game, Pujara said, “It was a crucial innings. Chirag Jani and I put up a good partnership which was important for the team as we ultimately put up around 300 runs on the board. Even personally, since I scored the hundred, it looks like I am in good form and I will look to repeat the same thing and hope to contribute to the team's success in the finals.”
Speaking about the all-important game, he added, “It means a lot, especially for a team like Saurashtra that hasn't played a lot of finals. Most of us are young and most haven't played in the Ranji Trophy for a lot of years. There are many youngsters who are very excited and who want to do well, not just in this final, but in the years to come for Saurashtra.”
Speaking about the opposition, he said, “I always love playing against Mumbai. If you see, I have always scored against them. That is a positive for me, but we don't want to look at whom we are playing against, rather just focus on our plans and what we have to do. We have good fast bowlers. Jaydev Unadkat is back in form. The way he bowled in the semis (11 wickets) and quarters (nine wickets) was unbelievable. Other bowlers are supporting him very well. It's a very good team combination.”
As the players look forward to the clearing the final hurdle, the coach who was part of the playing XI in 2012-13, too, is keen to hold the Trophy. “As a Saurashtrian, I always had the dream of winning the Ranji Trophy. We won the Ranji one-dayers (Deodhar Trophy) under his (Jaydev Shah’s) captaincy, but couldn’t win the final in 2012-13. But it’s a game. We have got to keep coming stronger and keep trying harder. I don’t think we need to take any pressure. We will focus more on the process. We will play good cricket and we hope the results will come,” he said.
