Nayar hopes to make a mark

When defending Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai open their 2009 campaign against hosts Punjab at the Sector 16 stadium on Tuesday...

When defending Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai open their 2009 campaign against hosts Punjab at the Sector 16 stadium on Tuesday,one man would be hoping to shine with both bat and ball as he struggles to regain his India cap.

Left-hander Abhishek Nayar,who starred in the 2008 final with a breezy 99,is hoping for a fine start to the domestic season,which he reckons will help strengthen his chances. Nayar,who bowls right-arm medium pace,was dropped after the Champions Trophy but he is confident that with the Indian team favouring more and more all-rounders,an impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy and a practice game against Sri Lanka next week he has been named in the Board Presidents XI will strengthen his case.

It was a bit disappointing to be dropped after the West Indies tour,but I am concentrating hard on the domestic season. As a cricketer,you always look to perform well in the Ranji Trophy. Last years final is something I would always cherish and things are looking good for Mumbai this time as well, Nayar said here.

Story continues below this ad

Nayar made way for Ravindra Jadeja after India’s disastrous show in the Champions Trophy in September but the all-rounder is keen on regaining his spot. Seeing the current trend,the Indian team is playing with more and more all-rounders. Praveen and Jadeja are doing well and I am eager to seek a chance for myself. I played with Yusuf in the Challenger Trophy and we talked a lot about concentrating on bowling as well as batting, Nayar said.

The presence of players like Zaheer Khan in the Mumbai team always boosts confidence. We play most of our matches at home this season and I am aiming to improve my bowling along with the bat. I will be playing for the Board President’s XI against Sri Lanka and I hope to catch the selectors attention in that game, he added.

The theft prompted an immediate shutdown of the Louvre museum in Paris. (Pixabay)

Louvre Museum in Paris shut after thieves armed with chainsaws loot Napoleon-era jewels

World58 min ago

Thieves armed with chainsaws stole nine pieces of jewelry, including items belonging to Napoleon and Empress Joséphine, from the Louvre Museum. The museum was immediately shut down and a police investigation is underway. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the incident and the Louvre remains closed. The robbers used a freight elevator and broke through glass displays.

View all shorts

Live Blog

PHOTOS