Captain Rahane ’s Way of Leading Youngster-laden Mumbai

The Delhi-Mumbai rivalry will heat up even more when the two teams meet in their second Ranji Trophy 2022-23 Elite Group B match on Tuesday at Arun Jaitley Stadium.

The game is commonly referred to as the ‘El Classico’ of the Ranji Trophy, however naming it that would be an exaggeration because it does not appear to be a terrific match-up. Mumbai, the 41-time winners, have had a fantastic season thus far, finishing second on the points table with three wins, a loss, and a draw. Whereas Delhi has been dispersed and has yet to achieve a balance.

This season, Delhi had the most heartbreaking story to tell, especially when it came to their bowling assault. The opposing batsmen have utilised it to improve their records, and Mumbai would like to abuse them even more as they get closer to the quarter-finals.

Ajinkya Rahane, the team’s skipper, is overjoyed because the youngsters have made his job easier. He may be out of favour with the Indian team, but his century against Assam in the previous match gave him the confidence to breach Fort Kotla.

“Obviously, Mumbai will only play like Mumbai. But our priority is to focus on one game at a time. What happened in the past is no longer relevant. Every game, start fresh and draw confidence from the previous ones. Also, we respect our opponents and play to our strengths,” Rahane stated in a press conference prior of the match versus Delhi.

“We are not dismissing them lightly. Delhi is a very good squad, and games between Mumbai and Delhi are always entertaining. “It’s critical that we focus on our game plans and support one another,” he continued.

It’s safe to say that when Rahane is captain and surrounded by young players in a squad, the outcomes are usually spectacular. It happened in Australia a few years ago, and it’s happening again in the present Ranji Trophy.

Not only Prithvi, but also Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer, and Yashasvi Jaiswal have contributed to Mumbai’s batting this season. However, not every day will be sparkling. There will be cloudy days as well. But they don’t have to be concerned since captain Rahane has their back.

Well, the message to youths has always been clear and simple, “Control the controllable, and not linger on those that are not in your power. Just try to stay in the moment and not overthink things.”

Aside from being a people’s captain, the 34-year-old conducted some self-discovery and attempted to be the hitter he once was. The entire rejuvenation process involves, but is not limited to, improving his hitting skills.

“I was thinking back to when I originally joined the Ranji team. What was my cognitive process when I used to play? I’ve gone back to the drawing board and am attempting to be the Ajinkya I was in my early days.

“No significant changes but tiny changes, skill-wise, now I have to be in the present thinking for Mumbai and doing good for them. That is completely on my mind. I’m not too concerned with my own batting, but preparation is very important to me. “Preparation has been excellent even before the Ranji season,” he continued.