Future Watch

This series is an attempt to capture the likely future of Indian Cricket. Hence time / information permitting one will attempt to run a Domestic Cricket roundup to identify consistent performers in Indian Domestic Cricket


The Domestic season started off today in Rajkot with the Ranji Champs Mumbai taking on a fairly strong Rest of India in the Irani Trophy. The Mumbai team had a very interesting look to it - with a mix of established "stars" like Agarkar, Jaffer, Powar and the contender to the throne of the unluckiest Indian Cricket - Amol Muzumdar featuring in it. Some guys who made their name last season with good performances like Kukreja and Nayar and then the absolute newbies like Rahane, Naik, Abdulla and WK Gurav.

And they were to take on an RoI side that looked suspiciously like a 2nd XI for India - Kaif, Parthiv, Raina, Munaf and Chopra amongst those who have played for India, Bose and Ishant the two who have some experience bringing out the drinks for Indian players and then the challengers in Badri, Tewary and spinners Ojha and Mishra.

A tough and interesting encounter always looks likely.

On the basis of the play on Day 1 - Nayyar has confirmed that he is indeed a player to watch out for. His performances last season were pivotal to Mumbai winning the Ranji and today with a superb attacking century he has surely done his reputation no harm whatsover - if he can shine again with the ball - we might have someone on our hands here.

Munaf has proven time and again that with his fitness - he should never even be knocking on the India doors and todays performance was no different - perhaps he deserves a long toil again on the Ranji circuit. That might knock some sense into his head.

Bose - the star bowler of last season - is a bit of a mystery. With a lack of real pace - he depends much on his accuracy and his ability to move the ball. All well in bowling friendly conditions. But his real test will be against International opposition on a belter but he seems good enough to get an opportunity. And at the rate at which our pacers get injured and given the likelihood of Sreesanth getting banned for 5 matches after every 2 matches - his chance will come sooner rather than later.

Over all a good day for Mumbai and one hopes they start off the season with a victory and some more silverware in their already over flowing cupboard.