A Close victory against Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final yesterday taught Mumbai "an important lesson", according to head coach Chandrakant Pandit
Chandrakant Pandit
A Close victory against Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final yesterday taught Mumbai "an important lesson", according to head coach Chandrakant Pandit, who felt that experience will help the 41-time champions overcome hurdles during their crucial semi-final clash against Tamil Nadu which begins on New Year's Day.
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Mumbai's top order batsmen, including seasoned campaigners Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav failed to click in both innings. The new opening pair of Kevin D'Almeida and Praful Waghela too were unable to make an impact in the game.
"Even though we beat Hyderabad today in a closely contested encounter, they taught us an important lesson in Raipur. Before our semi-final clash, these lessons would help us while playing against a comparatively tougher competitor like Tamil Nadu," Pandit told mid-day yesterday.
The defending champions' coach felt his main batsmen's performance will be vital if Mumbai have to make it to another final. "Our batting should click in the next game. I hope our main batsmen contribute in the semi-final. In earlier games too they had to bat well, but didn't.
"I expect them to put up a good show at this crucial juncture of the tournament. We have discussed these points in our team meetings as well. Let's hope for the best," Pandit added.
The former India stumper heaped praise on Mumbai's bowling all-rounder Abhishek Nayar and young left-arm spinner Vijay Gohil's match-winning performance. "Abhishek is an experienced campaigner. He knows how to handle pressure and did it by taking three vital wickets, apart from his all-round performance in the match. Vijay also bowled well to claim five wickets on Monday.
"Though Vijay couldn't take wickets today under pressure, I expect him to learn quickly from such experiences, which will help him in future," he concluded. Still recuperating from injury, Mumbai opener Akhil Herwadkar and bowling spearhead Dhawal Kulkarni are unlikely to play against Tamil Nadu.
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