MUMBAI: Mumbai may have been knocked out at this stage in the Vijay Hazare Trophy league this season, but there was a guy Mumbai who will be involved in the action in a knockout of the premier domestic tournament.
Coached by former Mumbai and India wicketkeeper Sameer Dighe, which is part of the Cricket Improvement Committee of the Mumbai Cricket Association last season, Tripura has reached the pre-quarterfinals of the Plate Group.
They will now take domestic heavyweight Vidarbha in Jaipur on December 19, in the search for a place in the quarter-finals.
This is the first time that Tripura has made BCCI knockout tournament.
In the league stage in Jaipur, they won all five games-beat Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya and Bihar in their Plate Division.
It was not as easy as it looks, said Dighe.
“They are all good sides.
Do not think that because most come from the Northeast, they do not play cricket well.
their standard of cricket is not bad at all, “said Dighe TOI from Jaipur.
This will help his team that they are now accustomed to the conditions in the ‘Pink City.’ “My players have an advantage because they have played five matches here,” he feels.
Playing an experienced team like Vidarbha course, be different tasks.
“It’s a good challenge for us to play two-time Ranji Trophy champions.
My children will know exactly where they stand.
the real test comes when you play your good side.
They need to make a mental adjustment.
That’s how I see it, “Dighe analyzed.
“My children are more hungry to prove themselves,” he said.
This is not a 53-year-old first date with Tripura.
“Karsan Ghavri (former India seamer), which has trained them in 2005 and ’06, had recommended my name to them, and I have trained them in 2007 and ’08.
This time they have approached me.
After playing for Mumbai, I share my experience with them.
As a boy does not have a lot of exposure, the Mumbai culture ‘does not exist, but I tried to introduce it in our dressing room, “he said.
Explaining his point, Dighe said: “They were happy to get 50 or 100, because they feel that they can play for two-three years.
It does not work that way.
hunger does not exist.
I’m trying to change their mindset.
Talent-wise, they’re good.
” To settle eradicate, develop a good bench strength is the best choice.
“I am sure that we have sufficient back-up option.
Now, there are one or two players in reserve for each player.
So, they also want to look good.
Slowly, they are developing the ‘hungry’ to do well will come into their system, “he said.
“The presence of ex-Karnataka batsman tiga’profesional’di KB Pavan, a former Gujarat batsman Samit Gohil and Rahil Shah (left-arm spinner from Tamil Nadu) have helped, but local players are good too.
They just need some exposure and proper process.
Since my children do not play a lot of cricket, they are lacking in match practice, “he said.