Former pacer Raju Kulkarni back in MCA

Raju Kulkarni

Raju Kulkarni returns to the Mumbai Cricket Association's (MCA) Cricket Improvement Committee (CIC) after a gap of nine years. The India pacer and Mumbai captain, who was part of the committee from 2001 to 2009, emphasised the need for players to do justice to the lion-crested Mumbai colours. The CIC will meet at the MCA office today. Other members include Ajit Wadekar, Karsan Ghavri, Balvinder Singh Sandhu, Amol Muzumdar, Kiran Mokashi and Sahil Kukreja. Wadekar may not attend due to illness.

"There are different challenges to face. Now, we are struggling for that cricketing acumen which Mumbai cricket was known for. Earlier, we used to offer a strong fight in games which were as good as lost. We are lacking in this area now. Playing for Mumbai and wearing that lion's crest was a matter of pride for all of us. This is lacking now," said Kulkarni.

The right arm fast bowler, who picked up 232 wickets in 79 first-class games, felt Mumbai don't fall short on talent, but the boys need to show more focus. "Mumbai always performed better than their ability, but now players are performing below par. We used to get jobs after playing for Mumbai. Now, players are getting crores of rupees in a few years and get settled in their lives. Is that a reason that their output not being 110 per cent," Kulkarni, who played three Tests and 10 ODIs, asked. It is learnt that the CIC will shortlist the candidates who have applied to coach the Mumbai Ranji Trophy and the under-19 side.

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