Balaji gets a pat on his back

‘‘Before the semifinal, we had discussed about their strengths and weaknesses and tried to exploit that. Thankfully, it worked well for us. All played as a unit and contributed to the win.’’

‘‘Mumbai have a few internationals in their ranks. Ajit Agarkar and Avishkar Salvi are very good bowlers. They have a few fine spinners as well. As a whole, they are a very good side.’’

Speaking about his main strike bowler L Balaji, Suresh said: ‘‘He was really devastating. He has proved again that he is a class bowler. He has bowled beautifully throughout the season and no doubt his performance in the semifinal played a significant role in our victory.’’

Balaji said that he would carry on in the same vein against Mumbai in the final. ‘‘That is a big match. I have to bowl like this against Mumbai as well. I am confident of doing well against them as well,’’ said the 22-year-old fast bowler who represented India in one one-day international against West Indies last year.

Hemang Badani attributed the semifinal win to ‘‘hard work’’ and said the team will have to be on their guard in the final. ‘‘All are playing well at the moment. I am also happy with my batting this season. We need not worry about the opposition bowling as in the final you are supposed to play the best bowlers of the country. But this will definitely provide a good test to players,’’ said Badani.

Despite reaching Ranji final five times, Tamil Nadu have managed to win just once as against a record 34 times by Mumbai. They won their only title in 1988 beating Railways in the final. Both Tamil Nadu and Mumbai have faced each other in Ranji Trophy final twice before with the former losing both the encounters. Mumbai won the first meeting in 1973 in convincing fashion while Tamil Nadu conceded the first innings lead in 1981 to take home the runners-up trophy.