Mumbai coach Dighe hails performance in Ranji Trophy opener as runners up secure vital three points against MP despite absence of senior players
Despite the absence of skipper Aditya Tare and main players, Mumbai, led by Suryakumar Yadav, managed to earn three vital points by virtue of a first innings lead in a drawn Ranji Trophy Group 'C' encounter at Indore yesterday. Resuming on their overnight score of 415 for eight, last season's runners-up Mumbai added 25 runs before being bowled out for 440. MP's Naman Ojha followed his first innings century (180) with a patient 38-run knock in the second to secure a draw for his side.
Mumbai's Jay Bista (extreme left), Suryakumar Yadav (with a ball in hand), Siddhesh Lad and Akhil Herwadkar during a practice session at the Brabourne Stadium last year. Pic/Suresh Karkera
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The discarded India wicketkeeper-batsman was well supported by half centurion Ankit Sharma (52 not out). For Mumbai, medium pacer Minad Manjrekar and left-arm spinner Vijay Gohil claimed two wickets each as the hosts ended the final day at 145 for six.
'Mature show'
This season's Ranji Trophy opening match was the first for former India stumper Sameer Dighe as coach of Mumbai. He credited the win to every Mumbai player. "The boys showed a lot of maturity and everyone shouldered the responsibility very well. Jay Bista laid the foundation while batting. He has a hunger for runs. Then, Siddhesh Lad and Suryakumar supported the team well.
Sameer Dighe
Sufiyan Shaikh also contributed with an important partnership. "In the second innings, we got six wickets on the fourth day today, but time did not permit us an outright win," Dighe told mid-day yesterday. He hopes 41-time champions Mumbai carry on the winning momentum. "As a team, it is a satisfactory performance, but there's still a long way to go. I hope we will continue winning. The boys played very well despite the absence of a few senior players," he said.
'Fielding needs to improve'
However, Dighe felt his side can do better when it comes to fielding. "Dropping a few catches is part of the game, but we recovered well. Yes, we need to improve and give a lot of emphasis on fielding," he concluded.
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