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THAT SINKING FEELING... National veterans Wasim Jaffer (left) and Nilesh Kulkarni wear a deserted look during their Kanga League encounter with New Hind at Cross Maidan yesterday. Pic/Vishal Kelkar |
For, after their last match against New Hind Cricket Club at their home turf yesterday, chances of them being relegated to the 'B' Division are very bright.
Having been one of the most high-profile city clubs for over a decade, National's performance this season in this prestigious tournament has been abysmal. Out of the eight matches, National failed to win a single match.
And that, according to former Mumbai Ranji Trophy spinner Rajesh Pawar, has been the biggest cause of worry.
"We should have won a few matches. Had we not squandered those opportunities, we wouldn't have been in such a situation. Also, most of us (senior pros) were away with other commitments. As a result, we could play only a few matches for the club (Three in his case)," Pawar noted, admitting if they go down, it will be one of the darkest days for the club.
Seven draws
National, who had six draws to their name before this outing, escalated the tally to seven after declaring at 165 for 6 against New Hind yesterday. And when umpires called it a day, New Hind were 87 for five.
So, it didn't come as a surprise that Sutar, who has been the backbone of National for many years, was fuming.
The former Mumbai Ranji player felt youngsters these days were not as committed, and more importantly, loyal to their clubs.
"We have given our life to this club. But youngsters these days certainly don't believe in loyalty. Today they are playing for National... tomorrow they will play for Fort Vijay day after for some other club. And during all this commotion, performance takes a backseat. Tell me, how many youngsters these days have performed consistently? There's hardly any notable performance," Sutar observed.
Changing times
While Sutar's distress is completely justified, his teammate and former India spinner Kulkarni, while agreeing that the youngsters are not loyal, is practical enough to realise that things will have to change according to the changing times.
"I won't say hamare zamane main hum ne yeh kiya, aur woh kiya (we did this or that in our times). Cricket these days has changed a lot and along with it, the thought process of cricketers. Everyone wants to win.
Period. There is decent infrastructure even at the club level these days. Basically, one has to outthink the other. You can't rest on your past laurels," he told MiD DAY.
"Move on," might be Kulkarni's mantra, but going by the reports, National might have to face the ignominy of being relegated.
"After yesterday's match, the equations are not favouring National. It appears that they will be relegated," tournament secretary Vinod Deshpande said. However, he said that the news would be officially announced after verifying all the scorecards and other details.
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