I’m loving it, says Agarkar

So how’s it been? ‘‘So far so good,’’ he said, gathering his breath after a hectic day at the office on Wednesday. He’d just starred in a 180-run win over South Zone, in which he scored 70 off just 44 balls (7×4, 3×6).

This made it two wins off as many matches for Agarkar as captain. And in both it was evident that responsibility was bringing the best out of him. ‘‘I guess I am one of the oldest in the side, so I have to show my performance,’’ he says with a smile.

Especially on Wednesday, when he walked with his side struggling at 159-5. Agarkar systematically reconstructed the innings with his deputy Parthiv Patel and, thanks to his bludgeoning effort, West piled up 287-7.

‘‘It’s been a long time. Actually since that tour (to Sri Lanka), I have not led any side, so it’s been an interesting time,’’ notes Agarkar. Actually Agarkar has always been the vice-captain of the Mumbai Ranji Trophy but never quite has had a chance of leading them.

But isn’t leading a motley crew that makes up a zonal team difficult? ‘‘I wouldn’t say difficult,’’ he says. Then adds, ‘‘it’s simply different’’. Just how is that? ‘‘In the first match I was not sure what kind of field a bowler would prefer and so it felt little different,’’ reveals Agarkar.

So you could see on the field Agarkar trying to make the most of this short-term assignment. Whether it is talking to his young bowlers like Ranjit Khirid or chatting with his vice-captain Parthiv Patel, Agarkar was trying to make his presence felt.

He now reckons he’s settled down. ‘‘I guess we have spent some five days together, so we know each other that much better. Also most of the guys have played with each other at some time or the other so that also helps,’’ adds the India one-day all-rounder.