Gavaskar’s team aims to make a mark in I-League

“I always wanted to own a club and make it a force in Indian football. The first part is achieved. Now,I want to see Pune FC doing well in the I-League first division,” Rohan told The Indian Express.

Indeed,Rohan and his friends the Parimal brothers are leaving no stone unturned to ensure Pune FC play good football in the I-League. “For a club just two years old,it’s already an achievement to make the top grade. Now the challenge is to prove we belong there,” Rohan said.

The cricketer,who has represented the country at the ODI level,has been enjoying every bit of his time in football management. “It’s my club and naturally I am deeply involved in its administrative activities. It’s very challenging,but at the same time,very exciting as well. As an administrator you have to look after everything — from infrastructure to marketing,to recruitment of players. We have a good side this season and hope to do well,” said Rohan.

The club management is not shy on spending big for good results. The budget for the 2009-2010 season is close to Rs 3.5 crore. The club has already roped in stars like Subrata Paul. In Chika Wali and Nzewi Godson Odinaka they have two quality foreign recruits. With Derek Pereira mentoring them,Pune FC can be a surprise package in the coming edition of the I-League.

…Confirms Ranji role for Bengal
Back to cricket,Rohan hopes to revive his career after severing ties with ICL. He is all set to sign for Kalighat Club and is looking forward to play for Bengal once again.

“Bengal has been my state. I have been playing for Bengal since 1996. Why should I change colour this time? I have already started my off season training and am available for selection,” he stated. He had a meeting with the CAB president Jagmohan Dalmiya last week and the stage appears to be set for his return. The invitational tournaments like Buchi Babu Trophy and Moin-ul-Dowla Gold Cup would be the selection trails for the players who have returned to the BCCI fold.

But will it be easy after being out of the mainstream for two years? “It shouldn’t be difficult. We played against the likes of Mohammad Sami,Abdul Razzaq,Shane Bond and others in the ICL. The quality of cricket was very competitive. So,it shouldn’t be a problem to return to first-class cricket,” Rohan asserted.