Both Mumbai and Bahutule have had vastly contrasting fortunes this season. While Mumbai became the first team to qualify for the knock-outs, Maharashtra are still in a struggle to avoid relegation.
MUMBAI: When former skipper Sairaj Bahutule decided to leave Mumbai and join Maharashtra at the start of the 2005-06 Ranji season, the entire cricket administration in the city was shaken. However, all that past now. The cricket has taken over.
Both Mumbai and Bahutule have had vastly contrasting fortunes this season. While Mumbai became the first team to qualify for the knock-outs, Maharashtra are still in a struggle to avoid relegation.
When DNA had first spoken to Bahutule at the start of the season, the leg-spinner had outlined a list of things that he wished to achieve during his stint with Maharashtra. “Everybody underestimates this Maharashtra team. It is a big challenge for me to motivate them. After playing Ranji Trophy for so many years it is important to try and share my experience. And maybe help them learn from it,” Bahutule had said.
What does Bahutule, having played for both teams now, feel is the main difference? “A big difference between the two teams is the way in which they approach the game. For Mumbai, the game is all about intensity. They all relate to Mumbai’s cause and feel great pride playing for the team. That is the kind of feeling that I am trying to inculcate here,” said Bahutule.
The leg-spinner’s old team-mates will now be opposition when Maharashtra take on Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. “It doesn’t feel odd playing for a different team after so many years. Language is not a problem. I know a few of the chaps, I have played with Hrishikesh Kanitkar since my under-15 days and all that helped me get settled.”
Maharashtra have upgraded the entire cricket set-up by hiring a new senior coach, Darren Holder, and also roping in Chandrakant Pandit for the junior cricketers. “Maharashtra have a good set-up and I hope to be able to get this team to perform to its true potential,” he had said. As for the Mumbai team, how have they coped with his absence? “Well, players come and players go. There are always others waiting to take their place. Mumbai still have a very strong team.”
Results may show that Mumbai have performed better but Bahutule believes that Maharashtra have improved in every match.
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