Must-win game for Mumbai

Defending champions need an outright win to stay in contention for semis berth

MUMBAI: Defending champions Mumbai are in a do-or-die situation. Playing their crucial fifth round game of the Ranji Trophy Super League against Rajasthan in Jhalawar from Sunday, the visitors have no option but to go all out and win outright if they want to stay in contention for a semifinal berth.

The 36-time Ranji Trophy champions have had an ordinary league so far. They could spell their magic only over Tamil Nadu with an eight-wicket win, but failed to impress in the later stages — losing out on first innings points to Delhi and Maharashtra in the last two games.

They are currently third in the points table behind Maharashtra (15) and Delhi (12), with 10 points from four matches.

The major cause of concern for Mumbai has been their top order, which has been failing to perform consistently.

Coach Praveen Amre admitted as much. “Yeah, the top six batsmen have not been scoring consistently and that has been a problem. But I hope we will bounce back in this game because it is crucial for us,” he told DNA from Jhalavar.

Another worry for Mumbai is that two of their key performers — Ajit Agarkar and Avishkar Salvi — are sitting out of this match due to injuries. Even batsman Prashant Naik might give a miss as he suffered an injury during a practice session.

Though Amre is optimistic about his team’s chances, he does not want to take their opponents lightly. “They have a good team with experienced players like Gagan Khoda, Mohd Aslam and seamer Pankaj Singh. But we will try our best,” he added.