MUMBAI: A batsman itching to prove his worth after being sidelined, a reputed coach in domestic cricket keen to prove a point against his former team, a veteran batsman struggling with perhaps his worst form ever and two teams fired up to end their Ranji Trophy drought.
The plot for the semifinal between the 41-time champions Mumbai and Tamil Nadu, which kicks off from Saturday at the MCA ground in BKC couldn’t be more interesting.
For Iyer, who has just lost his BCCI central contract after not turning out for Mumbai in their previous two Ranji Trophy matches, this is a God-sent opportunity to redeem himself. Having recovered from a back trouble, Iyer batted at the nets for an hour on Thursday.
Showering praise on Iyer, who has been prolific for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy since his debut season (2014-15), captain Ajinkya Rahane said, “He’s an experienced player. His contribution for Mumbai has been amazing. Whenever he stands up for Mumbai, he does really well. I don’t think he needs any encouragement or advice. We are thrilled to have him in our team for the semi-final. Because a player like him, obviously, contribution with the bat and also (to be) around the players will really help.”
Mumbai cricket is on my fingertips: Kulkarni
For Tamil Nadu head coach Sulakshan Kulkarni, who coached Mumbai for three seasons which included a Ranji Trophy title win in the 2012-13 season, this is a chance to show his former employers what he brings to the table.
“I’ve told my team that Mumbai cricket is on my fingertips. I know each and every (player’s) positives and negatives. Yes, we respect our opponents a lot because they’ve a big legacy, but we’ll have a good game. They’re playing well, which is why they’ve reached here in the semifinals,” Kulkarni said.
Interestingly, it was when Kulkarni was the Mumbai under-19 coach back in the 2006-07 season that a young Rahane first showed his potential.
“I’ve fond memories of playing under him (Kulkarni) for the Mumbai U-19 team. He was with Indian Oil too (as a coach), but right now he’s in the opponents’ dressing room. So, we want to keep that distance for the next five days, and then we’ll talk (to each other),” Rahane quipped.
While Mumbai haven’t won the Ranji Trophy since 2015-16, Tamil Nadu, who have clinched a few white-ball tournaments in recent years, last reached the final in 2014-15, and won their only Ranji title in 1987-88.
An innings and 33 run win over defending champions Saurashtra in the quarterfinal at Coimbatore has raised TN’s hopes that this could be the season their big Ranji dream is fulfilled.
Praising his coach for guiding the side well, TN captain and left-arm spinner Sai Sudarshan said, “Sulu sir always has his strategies. One of the best qualities (that) he has is that he is always observant on the ground. There’s never a session where he dozes off. He has been of great help while
captaining.”
TN did beat Mumbai earlier in the season, in the quarterfinals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, but this is a different ball game altogether especially if the grass on the pitch stays as lush as it was.
