Mumbai have a couple of points to prove: Mulani

Mumbai’s captain for Oman tour feels team needs to perform well across formats

Mumbai is the most successful team in the history of the Ranji Trophy, having won almost half (41 of 86) of all the editions of the domestic cricket competition to have taken place.

But off late, the domestic giants have been struggling to get the desired results. Mumbai’s 10-wicket defeat against Railways in the 2019 was one of the talking points of the season. It was their first-ever loss with this margin in over 500 games.

Shams Mulani, the left-arm spin all-rounder and Mumbai’s captain for Oman tour, where they lost the T20 series but came back to win ODI series, feels that though most of the limelight stays on the longer format, the team is focused on performing well across formats. This includes the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament as well.

“We are not thinking too far ahead of us. Ranji Trophy is in January and we have got two major tournaments coming up in the white ball circuit. Particularly in Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament, we have got a point to prove after last year’s poor performance.

“So as a team, I think it is time to prove ourselves that we are good in the T20 as well. We are champions of the 50-over format but we need to throw ourselves in the shortest format before shifting focus on Ranji season and prove that we are the best team across formats.”

Captaincy

Mulani achieved a rare feat in Oman when he led Mumbai against an international side in Oman. The six games across T20 and 50 over formats saw some tense finishes.

Speaking of it, the 24-yearold feels that leading Mumbai is a huge responsibility as the stars have led Mumbai in the past.

“Playing under pressure? I think I enjoy that more. So the experience I am getting is priceless, the boys have reacted really well to it and that is what counts. So it’s been fun.

“If you don’t respond well to the pressure then I don’t feel one deserves to play for Mumbai. Pressure should bring out the best in all.”

Talking about short-term and long-term plans, Mulani said his immediate goal is improve in white ball cricket and get into the IPL. In longer run, Mulani plans to sharpen his skills and get into the India A side, which is considered to be the second door for an entry into India senior team.