VIDARBHA skipper Akshay Wadkar is a simple guy and talks straight from the heart. He has clarity of thoughts and keeps things very simple on and off the ground. On the eve of a big match — Ranji Trophy final, Wadkar was calmness personified as he spoke to the media. Vidarbha have had a great season and were very consistent throughout the tournament. When asked what was the recipe of their consistency, Wadkar said, “We are consistent because we know our limitations. You should know how to handle situation. We always talk about backing our game. We finished on top despite conceding the first innings lead in quite a few games. When one players doesn’t do well others rise to the occasion. Every player knows his responsibility. Moreover, we are not trying to do anything different. We are preparing the same way as in the past.”

 

The captain accepted that though Kerala have a good bowling attack, Vidarbha have an edge. “We are very positive. Kerala is a good bowling side. They have good fast bowlers and spinners. We will try not to let their bowling attack dominate us and play the new ball well. When we won the back-to-back Ranji Trophy titles, we defeated Kerala first time in quarter-final and then in semi-final. So, that’s a plus point. We also have advantage of playing at home,” said Wadkar. ‘It’s a dream come true for Kerala’ Kerala captain Sachin Baby said the team was looking forward to the game and that it was a dream come true for the side to play Ranji Trophy final. “We are very excited. Wonderful to play this very prestigious tournament. This is my 15th year and my 100th game (First-Class) is final so that is a dream come true for me and Kerala. The final has not come through luck. We have worked hard for this. It will be a great game. Vidarbha have been playing fantastic cricket not only this season but for last few seasons. We are looking forward to this game,” Baby said. (Pics Satish Raut)