Tendulkar, Zaheer included in Mumbai squad
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
Mumbai's march towards their 38th Ranji Trophy crown has been bolstered by the inclusion of Sachin Tendulkar and Zaheer Khan in the 15-man squad for their semi-final clash against Saurashtra. The match will be played in Chennai from January 4-7.
The last time the duo played for Mumbai, the team won the title - in 2006-07, against Bengal.
That was Pravin Amre's first year as Mumbai coach and he has pleasant memories of the campaign, which culminated in the 132-run win in the final at the Wankhede Stadium. Both players had an impact, Tendulkar scoring a vital first-innings century and Zaheer picking up nine wickets for the match.
No wonder Amre was enthusiastic about their return to the side. "It will be a boost for our youngsters, who have already done well. Their presence will be highly motivating as the players will expect to do well along with them," he said.
During the league phase of the current season, Tendulkar chipped in with advice at a crucial juncture. Mumbai had just returned after a disappointing performance against Saurashtra, where they had to fight to save the game after following on. It was a wake-up call and, with three games to go, they could not afford to relax.
Back in town, after the England ODI series was cut short in the wake of the terror attacks in Mumbai, Tendulkar spent some valuable time with the team members ahead of their home tie against Hyderabad.
"During one-to-one sessions the player is more open since there is more privacy and that is always more effective," said Amre. -Cricinfo
The last time the duo played for Mumbai, the team won the title - in 2006-07, against Bengal.
That was Pravin Amre's first year as Mumbai coach and he has pleasant memories of the campaign, which culminated in the 132-run win in the final at the Wankhede Stadium. Both players had an impact, Tendulkar scoring a vital first-innings century and Zaheer picking up nine wickets for the match.
No wonder Amre was enthusiastic about their return to the side. "It will be a boost for our youngsters, who have already done well. Their presence will be highly motivating as the players will expect to do well along with them," he said.
During the league phase of the current season, Tendulkar chipped in with advice at a crucial juncture. Mumbai had just returned after a disappointing performance against Saurashtra, where they had to fight to save the game after following on. It was a wake-up call and, with three games to go, they could not afford to relax.
Back in town, after the England ODI series was cut short in the wake of the terror attacks in Mumbai, Tendulkar spent some valuable time with the team members ahead of their home tie against Hyderabad.
"During one-to-one sessions the player is more open since there is more privacy and that is always more effective," said Amre. -Cricinfo