Dilip Vengsarkar's words prove prophetic

It feels good when a prediction turns out to be right. Ask Dilip Vengsarkar. The former Mumbai and India captain was invited as chief guest for the Vidarbha Cricket Association awards a few months ago. He told the audience in a packed Nagpur auditorium which included members of the state's cricketing fraternity that they were in for some good days. "I said to them that with Chandrakant Pandit around as coach, there is an opportunity for Vidarbha to win the Ranji Trophy," Vengsarkar told mid-day yesterday.

Dilip Vengsarkar

"I also said that Mumbai's loss is Vidarbha's gain. Chandu has been a very good coach. As Director of the National Cricket Academy, I went to Goa for the Vidarbha v Goa Ranji Trophy game (in November) and was particularly keen on watching their off-spinner Akshay Wakhare. I also observed yet again how Chandu handled things - always getting involved in every aspect of the game. I knew at once that this guy is at it and he is determined to make this a successful team. I knew they would make the semis with their approach. I was proudly telling someone today that there is a big Mumbai influence in Vidarbha's win because apart from Chandu, there is Jafferbhai (Wasim Jaffer). He made a huge difference. I applaud Vidarbha," added Vengsarkar.

Vidarbha offie Akshay Wakhare (left) celebrates with a teammate after dismissing Delhi's Manan Sharma yesterday. Pic/PTI