‘Just think of Mumbai cricket all the time’

Mumbai skipper Ajinkya Rahane with batting coach Vinit Indulkar (right) at the MCA-BKC ground yesterday. Pic/Atul Kamble

Mumbai's Ajinkya Rahane and Andhra Pradesh's Hanuma Vihari were part of India's Test squad a few years ago. Now, they are eyeing big knocks while taking on each other in the Elite Group ‘B' Ranji Trophy tie at the Mumbai Cricket Association's Bandra Kurla Complex ground from today.

Rahane, 35, who missed the season-opener against Bihar at Patna last week due to a stiff neck, is fully fit to start a new season while Vihari, 30, who led his team against Bengal at Visakhapatnam to earn three points through a first innings lead by scoring 51, has decided not to lead the side.

As per the team list, Vihari was supposed to lead against Mumbai too, but on Thursday morning, the visiting team got a message from the Andhra Cricket Association that wicketkeeper-batsman Ricky Bhui, who scored 175 against Bengal, will lead the team.

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Shreyas Iyer returns

India batsman Shreyas Iyer, who missed Mumbai's practice session on Thursday, took part in the team meeting in the afternoon on his return from South Africa. Rahane reckoned that Iyer joining the Mumbai team for this particular game will boost everyone's morale.

In their opening game against Bihar, Mumbai managed to score only 251, but their bowlers did exceedingly well, forcing the hosts to follow on and ended up winning by an innings and 51 runs. "The guys [batsmen] are focused. They are working really hard. What matters to us is winning and a contribution from every individual. As captain, my job is to give them freedom, give them a good environment to go out there and express their talent and play with freedom. That's what coach [Omkar Salvi] and I are doing. It's all about creating a healthy atmosphere inside the dressing room. I don't think they [batsman] should worry too much about their own results as long as they are thinking about the team," Rahane told reporters on the eve of the match.

Rahane, who represented the country in 85 Tests, 90 ODIs and 20 T20Is, wants his players to think about doing well for the Mumbai team. "The Mumbai Cricket Association has played a major role in my cricketing journey. So, my message to everyone is give your best for Mumbai, think about Mumbai cricket all the time. Eventually, they will do well individually as long as they are thinking about Mumbai cricket."

Bhui to lead Andhra

Andhra's new skipper Bhui, 27, revealed why Vihari, who represented the country in 16 Tests and will be playing his 118th first-class match today, is not leading the team. "He [Vihari] has some personal reasons, so he has stepped down from captaincy. He wants to concentrate on his batting. I have been with the same bunch for 10 years and have captained the team previously in other formats as well, so it's not a big deal. The important thing is that we have got the momentum after beating Bengal and the key is to build from here. It doesn't matter who the captain is," Bhui said.

Bhui admitted that Mumbai have Test stars like Rahane and Iyer, but stressed that his team are confident too: "The first game [v Bengal] gave us a lot of confidence. I don't think they [Mumbai] have a full side. A few players are with the India ‘A' and Indian team. I know Shreyas and Ajinkya bhai will be playing, but we have quality batters and bowlers who can deliver, so lets see."