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Journalism of Courage
Pleased with how his young players have impressed against Orissa, Mumbai coach hopes for encore against Punjab
Mumbai coach Praveen Amre would have had his heart in his mouth, as Rahil Shaikh was trapped in front by Niranjan Behera, and his team were bowled out for a paltry 185 on the first day at the Barabati stadium. After all, his inexperienced bowling attack included Dhawal Kulkarni, who despite his fabulous start had just played five first-class games, Kshemal Waingankar, who was making a comeback to the side having one match under his belt, and debutants Shaikh and left-arm spinner Ankit Chavan.
The former Indian middle-order batsman revealed that the team management was extremely confident of Kulkarni8217;s ability to lead the attack, which he did admirably by taking 5-50 in the hosts8217; first innings. 8220;After the experience he has gained from Australia, he has become a special bowler. Taking 31 wickets on flat pitches highest this season in the Ranji Super League of these kinds is an amazing feat,8221; said Amre, adding that Kulkarni8217;s fifer, which demolished the Orissa top-order, set the game up for his team.
He also insisted that the other three bowlers played their parts excellently well, and supported the leader of the pack to the hilt. 8220;Rahil hits the pitch really hard and has terrific pace. This wasn8217;t the best pitch for him to showcase his ability, but he did well in the second innings especially and picked up crucial wickets,8221; said Amre.
After having assured their place in the knockout phase, Amre revealed, the Orissa game was more a screening process for the players, who had been on the bench so far. 8220;Ajit got injured at the last moment, but the others coming in have done really well. Now, we are in a position where even if a player is unfit before a crucial game, we have guys who have got at least one match under their belt this season,8221; he said.
Ajinkya Rahane8217;s brilliant 201 came for special praise from his coach, who insisted that the 20-year-old opener would go all the way in his career.
8220;He is definitely set for the big league in the future, and he is already topping the charts with 762 runs in 6 games,8221; said Amre. He also was delighted with Wasim Jaffer8217;s form, with the captain also having amassed more than 700 runs this season so far.
Amre revealed that his team was surprised with the assistance that the pitch at Cuttack provided for the fast-bowlers on the first day. 8220;The ball was moving appreciably, and in the context, Vinayak Samant8217;s gritty 46 was a top-class effort,8221; he said.
With 26 points already in the bag, the confident coach, expected his team to go all guns blazing and look to finish off the Group stages with a convincing win over Punjab at home.
