Afghanistan camp has a Mumbai presence in Datta

Datta Mithbhavkar (left) with Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Pic/Datta Mithbhavkar collection

The Afghanistan team face a stiff test when they take on five-time champions Australia on Tuesday. Their big challenge notwithstanding, the fact that they have beaten three former champions (England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) so far, would have done wonders to their confidence. One person in their group who is extra keen over Afghanistan's clash at the Wankhede Stadium is their liaison officer Datta Mithbhavkar, who has accompanied the team from Game One of this World Cup.

"I played cricket with some of these players in 2006 when [coach] Zubin Bharucha invited the Afghanistan team for some practice games in Mumbai. We played at New Hind SC, Matunga. When I joined their team ahead of the World Cup, Mohammad Nabi and bowling coach Hamid Hassan immediately recognised me and spoke about that match. Current Afghanistan assistant coach Rais Nabi also played that game," said Mithbhavkar.

Kanga League experience

Mithbhavkar has played in the Kanga League for Regal Cricket Club and Dadar Parsee Colony Club in Division ‘A' and ‘B'. He also played Times Shield ‘C' Division games for Route Mobile as a left-arm spinner and middle-order batsman. He now looks after National CC.

The Jonathan Trott-coached Afghanistan team are filled with soft-spoken players, according to Mithbhavkar. "Though there are some star players in the team, all are very soft spoken, including Rashid Khan. They never speak loudly, never hurt anyone. They felt very good to see the Indian crowds supporting their efforts.

"They have asked me about the nature of the pitch, especially the red soil at Wankhede. Most of the Afghan players have played at this ground during the IPL, but they want to know how good it will be for batsmen as well as for the bowlers," said Mithbhavkar.

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Special Sri Lanka win

The victory over Sri Lanka on October 30 in Pune was a special one and Mithbhavkar played a small role. "When Mujeeb Ur Rahman asked me about my experience of bowling on Indian pitches, especially on batting-friendly wickets, I told him that it will help if he lowers his pace. So, when he got Sri Lanka skipper Kusal Mendis [caught at deep midwicket], he immediately waved towards me to indicate that he appreciated the suggestion. Actually, it was his effort totally. He placed the catcher rightly and bowled accordingly. He appreciated my suggestion even after the game in the dressing room," he added. After four wins from seven games, Afghanistan are still in the mix to earn a semi-final berth.

Mentor Jadeja has completely changed the dressing room atmosphere: Mithbhavkar

Ajay Jadeja

In the limited opportunities Ajay Jadeja got to lead India in ODI cricket, he did it with flair. Hence, it's no surprise to see his efforts as Afghanistan's mentor come to fruition. "Jadeja has totally changed the dressing room atmosphere. He has told the players to enjoy every moment and not be pressurised to perform. We have a very healthy and lively atmosphere," the team's liaison officer Datta Mithbhavkar told mid-day.