17 January,2009 07:39 AM IST | | Amol Karhadkar
Good host: Sachin Tendulkar
Hosts bash to celebrate Mumbai's 38th Ranji win on Thursday itself
Even though Mumbai formally got a hold on the Ranji Trophy title for the 38th time, one more than those won by all other teams put together, the celebrations for Mumbai had begun a day earlier.
Mumbai were certain that they would not lose the match after setting Uttar Pradesh an impossible target of 525 runs on the last day.
And with master blaster Sachin Tendulkar and pace spearhead Zaheer Khan needing to fly back to Mumbai immediately after close of play on the final day, the party began at their hotel on Thursday night itself.
"Since Sachin and Zak had to leave early due to prior commitments, we thought it wouldn't be fair to celebrate without them," skipper Wasim Jaffer told MiD DAY.
"Sachin organised a superb party for all of us and we celebrated till midnight. It was a memorable experience for everyone."
MiD DAY has learnt that Tendulkar even joined the youngsters to dance to the tune of Singh is King for some time.
Jaffer said the team was keen on flying back together and he was overwhelmed by the effort of his bowlers.
"Zak bowled superbly in the morning, so did Ajit (Agarkar) who bowled his heart out despite having a bruise," Jaffer said. "And Dhawal (Kulkarni) came up with yet another fantastic spell," the skipper added.
The clinical effort on the last day underlined the fact that Mumbai were still the kings of domestic cricket.
"Just like it has been for most of the season, it was yet another indication of Mumbai's (dadagiri) in Ranji cricket," coach Praveen Amre said.
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The whole squad, barring Rohit Sharma, had enough time to drench each other in wine and beer in the dressing room before boarding the 6 pm flight.
The batting hero of the final, who is also the vice-captain of Deccan Chargers, had to stay back in his IPL hometown due to some of his IPL commitments.
