Pandit Eyes Another Triumph Against Former Team
BENGALURU: The cricketing rivalry between Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Mumbai is set to intensify as they gear up for their second final clash in two years. Madhya Pradesh, under the astute guidance of coach Chandrakant Pandit, is ready to face Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) T20 final. This contest, scheduled for Sunday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, revives memories of the Ranji Trophy final in June 2022, where MP triumphed over Mumbai.
Pandit, a former Mumbai captain and coach, has shown his ability to mold winning teams, regardless of reputations or star power. “The Ranji Trophy win was special, but that’s history. We can draw confidence from it but must focus on the task at hand,” Pandit stated on the eve of the match. “For MP, facing a team like Mumbai, known for consistently making it to finals, is a proud moment. Winning this title would be a remarkable achievement.”
Mumbai’s Star-Packed Line-Up vs MP’s Versatility
Mumbai enters the final with a squad brimming with international stars. Players like India T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, IPL 2024-winning captain Shreyas Iyer, dynamic opener Prithvi Shaw, and power-hitter Shivam Dube add to their batting depth. Yet, it is Ajinkya Rahane who has stolen the limelight. Leading the tournament’s run charts, Rahane has scored 432 runs in seven innings at a stunning strike rate of 169.41, including scores of 95, 84, and 98 in his last three matches.
Pandit acknowledged Mumbai’s strength but emphasized the unpredictability of T20 cricket. “Mumbai’s batting is formidable with players like Rahane, Surya, and Dube in great form. But in T20s, the outcome depends on who performs better on the day. Our focus will be on executing our plans and learning from previous games,” he remarked.
On the other hand, MP relies on their adaptability and collective performances. All-rounder Venkatesh Iyer has been a vital contributor, delivering with both bat and ball. His flexibility to adapt to different roles has strengthened MP’s campaign. “Venkatesh has been brilliant, adjusting to the team’s needs—whether finishing innings or contributing with the ball. Similarly, players like Rajat Patidar and Harpreet Singh have embraced challenges, and it reflects in our performances,” Pandit explained.
Rahane’s Form a Double Delight for Pandit
While plotting strategies to neutralize Rahane’s threat, Pandit expressed admiration for his recent resurgence. Rahane’s consistency augurs well for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who secured him at the IPL auction. “Ajinkya’s performances are encouraging, not just for him but for the KKR family. It’s heartening to see him do so well,” Pandit noted.
As MP prepares to take on Mumbai’s heavyweights, the clash promises to be a thrilling battle of strategy, form, and resilience. For Pandit, defeating his former team for a second major title would be another feather in his coaching cap.
