Baptism by fire in Pak for Mumbai spinner Powar

Elder brother Kiran, who initiated Ramesh into the game and shaped much of his career, says he has learnt a few things from his younger sibling. ‘‘His biggest asset is that he never allows the pressure to get on to him. I admire him for his attitude and confidence,’’ Kiran said, reacting to his brother’s selection to the Indian team on Monday evening.

Orphaned at a young age, Ramesh says Kiran and elder sister Gita have been the pillar of support during good and bad times.

‘‘He is a quiet, normal guy. But once he sets his eyes on a target he achieves it no matter what,’’ Gita said.

In fact, Ramesh’s career-graph is peppered with grit and gumption.

A blazing 65 not out against an Australian attack comprising Glenn McGrath, Stephen Fleming and Shane Warne set the tone three years ago.

In the seasons that followed, Ramesh, a fully professional cricketer, was the lifeguard pulling Mumbai out of troubled waters.

No wonder then Mumbai rode on the stocky Ramesh’s broad shoulders in claiming the Ranji Trophy last year. He batted at Number 7 or lower, yet raked up an impressive tally of 415 at an average 46.44. He also chipped in with 20 wickets to complete an all-round domination.

And his defining moment in domestic cricket was against Saurav Ganguly’s Rest of India at the Irani Trophy last year: a rapid-fire 57 & 4-61 brought him into the national consciousness.

An important tip early this season from Sachin Tendulkar changed Ramesh’s approach towards off-spin bowling. ‘‘Flight the ball, bowl slower and make the batsmen drive,’’ advised Tendulkar. And 16 wickets from five Ranji matches stand testimony to Ramesh’s bowling skills.

‘‘He has developed a very good outgoing delivery and is bowling a teasing line,’’ observes Mumbai coach Chandrakant Pandit. A former Test wicketkeeper, Pandit feels Powar should spend a lot of time with the senior players. ‘‘He should gain the confidence of his captain with his performances.’’

Interestingly, though Powar has been chosen for the one-day team, his three- or four-day record is much better. Perhaps the passage to Pakistan could change all that.