Mumbai skipper Rahane delivers prep talk to all teams

Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane (centre) with teammates Sarfaraz Khan (left) and Shardul Thakur at the Mumbai Cricket Association’s Bandra-Kurla Complex indoor academy yesterday. Pic/Shadab Khan

Just like they did for the 2023-24 season, 42-time Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai began their off-season camp, three months before the start of the season at the Mumbai Cricket Association's (MCA) Bandra-Kurla Complex indoor academy on Monday.

To inspire senior and age group players, MCA unveiled a theme titled, Home of the Champions' which will soon become an integral part of every Mumbai team's dressing room in the upcoming season.

Focus on fitness

Test batsman and Mumbai's Ranji Trophy-winning captain Ajinkya Rahane was emphatic on preparation. "Working on fitness and on your own game plan is important. This is the time when you can actually focus on areas you want to improve as an individual.

"Once the season starts, it is all about what the team require from you. These two-three months are all about getting better as individuals in terms of fitness and skills," Rahane said when mid-day asked him what advice he would like to give to Mumbai players.

Rahane was speaking at the event attended by MCA officials including president Amol Kale and secretary Ajinkya Naik.

Inspirational talks

Test pacer Shardul Thakur, batter Sarfaraz Khan, Kolkata Knight Riders's assistant coach Abhishek Nayar and recently appointed Mumbai's bowling mentor Dhawal Kulkarni also interacted and inspired players to be well prepared for the season.

Rahane, who will be leaving for the UK soon to play county cricket for Leicestershire, reckoned that ex-India and Mumbai pacer Dhawal's huge experience and his guidance will benefit all age group Mumbai players. "He [Kulkarni] has the ability to spot talent from various age groups and develop them. I am sure he will find good bowlers for Mumbai and India," Rahane remarked.