Mumbai's 1971 Ranji Trophy heroes to be honoured

Former India and Mumbai batsman Sudhir Naik displays a photograph of his 1970-71 Ranji Trophy-winning team, at his Dadar residence. Pic/Ashish Raje

Justice will be finally done to Mumbai's 1970-71 Ranji Trophy team in the 50th year of their triumph under young captain Sudhir Naik.

The team members and wives/children of the team that beat Chandu Borde's Maharashtra in the April 2-7 1971 final at the Brabourne Stadium, will be honoured with a cash purse and memento on August 6 at MCA's BKC club.

This Mumbai team attained glory in the national championships despite five regulars - Ajit Wadekar, Dilip Sardesai, Ashok Mankad, Eknath Solkar and Sunil Gavaskar - being on India duty in the West Indies.

Mid-day marked the golden jubilee with a piece in April.

The felicitation and the function called Mumbai's Magnificent 1971 Men, compered by journalist Dwarkanath Sanzgiri, will be funded by Ageas Federal Life Insurance.

Its CEO and MD, Vighnesh Shahane, a former Mumbai Ranji Trophy fast bowler, told mid-day.com: "We are delighted to honour this team of skilful, determined players, who conquered many cricketing battles to maintain Mumbai's unbeaten run in the Ranji Trophy that year. It was indeed a glorious triumph which should never be forgotten."

The 1970-71 triumph was Mumbai's 13th successive Ranji Trophy title. They also won in 1971-72 and 1972-73 before Karnataka arrested the domination in 1973-74.

Naik, who led Mumbai's 1971 team, was delighted to learn of Friday's felicitation for which Dilip Vengsarkar and Karsan Ghavri will be chief guests. "I'm so happy that Vighnesh has come forward to honour us. Remember, Maharashtra was a very good team and even our full side couldn't get the better of them when we clashed in the league stage of that season," said Naik.