By Anupam Soni
HAVING slogged out a lot at nets and later in practice matches, Vidarbha players are raring to go and it is “time to deliver”, says skipper Akshay Wadkar as BCCI’s domestic season for men kicks off with Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 (SMAT) to be played in Rajkot from October 11 to 22.
Though the season started with Duleep Trophy and was followed by Irani Cup, it involved different zones, Ranji Trophy champions and the Rest of India teams only. For the 38-affiliated associations, SMAT marks beginning of the actual domestic season.
“The preparation have been very good, now the matches (of SMAT) are to be played. Rains have been there but we did not waste any day during the entire training period. We utilised the days affected by weather for indoor training and fitness sessions. Later in the preparation camp, we played full T20 matches dividing the probables in two teams at Jamtha Stadium. Now, it is time to deliver in the main event,” said Wadkar while interacting with ‘The Hitavada’ two days prior to the team’s departure for Rajkot where the team will play all its league matches.
Vidarbha have been clubbed with domestic giants Mumbai, Ranji champs Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Railways, Uttarakhand and north-east’s Assam and Mizoram in Elite Group A.
“The group is good and there will be some competitive games. One can never say what will happen in a T20 match. It all depends on that particular day ... anybody can win. At this stage, we are not planning for the opponents. We are presently busy with our roles only. We all have been assigned different roles and we are looking into that aspect as of now. We have a very well balanced team and our main aim is to make it to the knock-outs,” said Wadkar, who led the side to semi-finals in last edition which is Vidarbha’s best finish till date.
This will be Vidarbha’s first assignment under new coach Sanjeev Sharma, who is a former India all-rounder. Sharma played two Tests and 23 One-Day Internationals between 1988 and 1997.
“He is good (at his job) and very understanding. He talks with each player to know his viewpoint and then both decide what is best for that individual. All the players are very comfortable with him,” said Wadkar of the new coach.
India player Umesh Yadav has been named in the team and there are a few IPL players including Jitesh Sharma, who did a fine job with Punjab Kings.
“Umesh is available for the tournament. But I am not sure whether he will accompany us or will directly join the squad in Mumbai or Rajkot. IPL players par sab ki nazar rahti hai. We are also expecting good show from our IPL players,” Wadkar signed off.