Despite folding up for 44 in the first innings in just over an hour, the young Mumbai team did not go down without putting up a brave fight as they managed to take the Ranji Trophy semi-final clash against defending champions Karnataka into the penultimate day on Saturday.&nbsp;
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/2015/mar/01siddhesh.jpg" alt="" /> Siddhesh Lad (74) was Mumbai&rsquo;s last wicket to fall on Saturday. File Pic
The 40-time champions lost to the hosts by 112 runs. Chasing 445 runs to win with almost three days to go in the five-day contest, Mumbai skipper Aditya Tare led the fightback with brilliant 98. On Saturday, Siddhesh Lad then took the responsibility to steer Mumbai through, but the 22-year-old, who is just 13 first-class matches old, was caught behind for 74.
'We showed character' Lad's wicket ended Mumbai's resilience as Mumbai's think tank decided not to risk sending injured all-rounder Abhishek Nayar (retired hurt on two) for one last go at the target which was still 100-plus runs away.
Anything less than a Ranji Trophy final appearance is a below par performance as per Mumbai's standards. However, coach Pravin Amre begs to differ. &ldquo;Expectations from the Mumbai team have always been quite high, but it is important to understand that this is a team in transition. Not many senior players were around.
&ldquo;If you look at the situation we were in this match, I think the boys showed a lot of character. I am absolutely proud of the way they have fought back not only in this match, but throughout the season as well.
&ldquo;Of course, as a coach it was a nightmare to see the team being bowled out for 44 in the first innings in such a crucial clash. But I kept my cool and backed the players. They all backed each other and that is why we could come close to beating Karnataka,&rdquo; Amre told Sunday mid-day &nbsp;from Bangalore.
'Toughest season' Amre is confident that these youngsters can win the Ranji Trophy title in the next season. &ldquo;Yes, they can. And why not?&rdquo; he asked. &ldquo;This has been the toughest season for them. There were seven debutants. We had a lot of players who had played only three to four first-class games at the start of the season so this experience will give them a lot of confidence for the next season.
&ldquo;Talent-wise too, there are a lot of players who have the potential for the next level. Shardul Thakur (pacer), in fact, is ready for the higher level,&rdquo; Amre, who helped Mumbai win three Ranji Trophy titles in his four-year stint as coach, said.
According to the coach, Mumbai would have performed better had Thakur (currently the highest wicket-taker (48) in the Ranji Trophy season) got more support from the other end. &ldquo;Our bowling only revolved around Shardul. Karnataka had three bowlers who had taken 35-plus wickets in the season. We had quite a few batsmen scoring runs consistently, but bowling was our shortcoming. But despite that we reached the semi-final and this is quite commendable,&rdquo; Amre signed off.
Brief scores Karnataka: 202 &amp; 286 beat Mumbai: 44 &amp; 332 (A Tare 98, S Lad 74; A Mithun 4-69) by 112 runs&nbsp;

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Mumbai coach refuses to sulk over Ranji Trophy semi-final loss to Karnataka

This Mumbai team can win Ranji Trophy next season: Pravin Amre

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Home / Sports / Cricket / Article / This Mumbai team can win Ranji Trophy next season: Pravin Amre

This Mumbai team can win Ranji Trophy next season: Pravin Amre

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