Change is a constant for Mumbai this season. From having a new coach [Vinayak Samant], new captain [Dhawal Kulkarni for the first Ranji Trophy match] and new backroom staff, the 41-time champions will adorn a new avatar this season. Despite kicking off preparations for the season late due to the delay in finding a successor to coach Sameer Dighe and the brouhaha over replacing the senior selection panel for allegedly not watching enough local matches, the Mumbai outfit still managed to triumph in the domestic season-opening Vijay Hazare Trophy after 12 long years.

All eyes on Ranji Trophy
However, it is the performance in the Ranji Trophy which kicks off today that will define whether the season has been successful. Pace spearhead Kulkarni, who made his captaincy debut in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, will lead Mumbai in their opening clash against Railways at the Karnail Singh Stadium in New Delhi today. Mumbai coach Samant said batsmen's skill will be truly tested as the ball is expected to keep low in the opening encounter. "We are well prepared as a team. However, I don't think there will be enough bounce on the pitch... it will be quite low. Therefore, our batsmen will have to play smart cricket.