HAVING been associated with both Vidarbha and Kerala Ranji Trophy teams in the past, former India player and the most decorated and sought-after domestic coach Chandrakant Pandit is more than happy to see both the sides making it to summit clash of the prestigious national cricket championship. Players perform on the field and credit must go to them for winning titles, but it was Pandit who instilled belief in Vidarbha players that they can win. The tough and no-nonsense approach of Pandit bore fruits as Vidarbha won their maiden Ranji Trophy in 2017-18 season and followed it up by lifting the Irani Cup.

 

Pandit stayed with the team for one more year and proved that the first title was not a flash in the pan or a fluke by helping the team make it a grand double — as Vidarbha won Ranji and Irani the next season also. Though the coach, who had then said that he does not stay with one team for long and joined Madhya Pradesh, had left, the confidence and belief that he imbibed in the players, stayed on. Including their first entry into that maiden Ranji final, Vidarbha is the only team that has made four finals since then. No other team in the cricket-crazy nation has been in finals for more number of times than Vidarbha. All those who have been following Vidarbha cricket, give the credit of this transformation to that magician — Pandit.

 

The growth and progress that Vidarbha team has shown is amazing. If we search Indian cricket’s history, we will know how far the team has progressed. For Vidarbha’s brilliant show, of course the credit goes to all the players. But credit must also go to Prashant Vaidya, Shashank Manohar and all those who have pitched in for growth of cricket in the region,” said Pandit while talking to ‘The Hitavada’ on Sunday. “It is very good to see that the seed we sowed has turned into a big tree and is bearing good fruits. I am very happy for Vidarbha as they have made their fourth final. Though I am not associated with the team any more, my happiness is not less than anybody who loves Vidarbha cricket,” added Pandit. Pandit is glad to see Vidarbha’s approach. “As a coach, I really feel happy and proud that my students are doing good ... aage badh rahe hai.

 

The ‘fighting spirit’ and the ‘never give up attitude’ ... they are seen today. Now, Vidarbha are playing for winning, it is seen from their efforts on the field. (Akshay) Wadkar, Yash (Rathod), Harsh (Dubey) they all are doing fine ... feeling very good. I hope they win this final.” Pandit feels that Vidarbha have an edge going into the final for their experience. “Vidarbha have upper hand since they have played many big finals against big teams and won four major titles. This is their second final in a row. The main advantage with Vidarbha is that they have experience of playing big games. It will now be test of their temperament. “Kerala are in the final for first time. They have pressure of winning to create history. It will be important to see how Kerala cope up with that pressure. All said and done, I want the best team to win. Cricket should be the winner,” Pandit concluded.