After three meetings (on July 6, 10 and 11), which lasted nearly 18 hours in total, the Mumbai Cricket Association's (MCA) Cricket Improvement Committee (CIC) yesterday finally decided on who will coach the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team and the under-19 side. Former Mumbai and Tripura wicketkeeper-batsman Vinayak Samant got the Ranji team's job while ex-Mumbai all-rounder Wilkin Mota will guide the under-19 outfit."

Samant was the first candidate to appear before the CIC for an interview on Wednesday morning before former Test off-spinner Ramesh Powar and ex-Rajasthan coach Pradeep Sunderam. Samant, who coached the Mumbai U-23 team to their 2015-16 CK Nayudu Trophy triumph, had a sleepless night on Tuesday as he worked on two consecutive shifts — 3 pm to 10 pm and then 10 pm to 7.30 am — at his Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) office in Sewri. "I am used to it," Samant told mid-day about his grueling schedule. "I don't think it's too hectic for me because I enjoy finding time for my coaching assignments."