Lions deliver under Kambli's watchful eyes

Shivaji Park Lions mentor Vinod Kambli standing right next to the team dugout has been one of the features of the first edition of Mumbai T20. The former India cricketer, who was known for his flamboyant ways during his playing days, carries an astute poise while his team continues draft to successfully chase high scores.

Shivaji Park Lions didn’t do well during the League stages losing three of five games and their icon player Siddhesh Lad couldn’t play after the second game due to a shoulder injury.

Even Swapnil Salvi, who captained for one game after Lad, was unfit and later Bravish Shetty took over. However, they still managed to scrape through for playoffs despite losing the last ball humdinger to Sobo Supersonics in the final league game.

However, they turned it around in the playoffs by knocking out NaMo Bandra Blasters in the Eliminator on Monday and league stage toppers Supersonics in the Qualifier 2 on Tuesday to set up final against Mumbai North East Triumph Knights.

“I pray for my team on every ball during the match. Bravish is doing a wonderful job as the captain. But Lad is also part of the team, encouraging youngsters and talking to Bravish, giving his expertise. We are like a family and support each other well,” said the former India cricketer.

Kambli said he enjoyed mentoring players during the tournament and will be open to such assignments in future with Mumbai Ranji team as well. “I am just giving my expertise and experience I have gained while playing for the country. I am very glad these guys are ready to listen and discuss. I am happy that they implement whatever I tell them. They will become stronger cricketers after this tournament. If the team wants, I am available for Mumbai team,” he said.

Power hitter Ramjani
In both the playoff games, Lions chased huge scores. Shivam Dubey and Bravish Shetty successfully chased 170 on Monday while Alpesh Ramjani did it with Hardik Tamore on Tuesday.

Ramjani had played a momentum-swinging cameo on Monday and he was determined to finish it on Tuesday. He showed his power hitting ability and remained unbeaten on 64 off 34 balls with the help of five fours and five sixes. He also shared a match winning 90–run partnership off 44 balls for the fourth wicket with Tamore (32).

“Yesterday was like half job done. I wanted to bat till the end today and ensure victory. I did it. Vinod sir and the team supported me, had faith in me.  I kept my nerves relaxed and tried to look for gaps and try to score quickly so that we won’t come under pressure at the end,” Ramjani said after the match on Tuesday.

Kambli was elated with the way things panned out in the end. “He (Ramjani) is our bodybuilder, the way he batted was amazing. We had told him to go after the bowling. We knew he is capable. Therefore, he was promoted up the order and he delivered yesterday and today also. I am glad the way team approached this game while chasing the huge total,” Kambli said.

Impressive Bravish
The 46-year-old praised Bravish for leading the side well and coming good with the bat. Bravish is the second highest scorer in the League after Shreyas Iyer, and has scored four half centuries already. He scored 34 on Tuesday including three consecutive sixes to set up the chased along with Paul Valthaty (41).

“I am happy the way Bravish is coming up. Sadly he got out today, but the way he has been setting up chases is great. Everyone is batting around him. He is the backbone of the team. He should be in the Mumbai team,” Kambli said about the stylish 30-year-old right-handed batsman who has been in and out of the Mumbai team.

“I was struggling to get back into the Mumbai team. This year I made a comeback into Mumbai T20 team but didn’t t do well. The confidence I will draw from performances in this tournament will be immense. You cannot get this experience while playing club cricket,” Shetty said.