Ranji Trophy | Playing against Mumbai at Wankhede is a challenge, but I’m ready for it: Chandigarh’s new coach

Vinayak Samant

Former Mumbai head coach Vinayak Samant, who guided Bihar to the Ranji Trophy Plate Group title last season, will be in the opposition camp when Chandigarh take on Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy opener at the Wankhede Stadium from October 11.

Interestingly, the development came as a surprise to the 53-year-old SKP Athletics Club wicketkeeper-batter, who scored 56 against Prabhu Jolly Young Cricketers in a Dr HD Kanga Cricket League Division ‘D' match last Sunday, and was due to play against Rajasthan Sports Club at Azad Maidan this Sunday. He has now changed his plans.

"It happened so quickly. I got a call asking whether I was ready to be the head coach of the Chandigarh Ranji team this season. I immediately said, ‘Yes, I'll do it.' Chandigarh Cricket Association officials then confirmed the assignment yesterday [Wednesday]," Samant, who played 101 first-class games for Mumbai and Tripura, told mid-day on Thursday.

Samant, who guided Mumbai to their Vijay Hazare Trophy triumph in 2018-19 as head coach, joined the Manan Vohra-led Chandigarh team in Mumbai last evening. "I'm always keen to coach a Ranji team, so I think it's a good opportunity.

Chandigarh is a totally new team for me. Joining the team just a couple of days before the first Ranji match is definitely a challenge, but I enjoy taking on challenges. Playing against Mumbai at Wankhede is another challenge, so let's see," added Samant.