Majumdar’s mantra for success was simple: Follow the process that works in the dressing room and show complete commitment till the end.
“It’s a different generation that you’re working with here,” Muzumdar says of Mumbai’s legacy and handling the current group of players. “I personally think it’s another game [the final],
“We haven’t seen the quarter-finals or the semi-finals or the final. There are some systems working in the dressing room, and we would like to follow that till the last ball is bowled in the Ranji Trophy season. That was our commitment at the start of the season.”
The process he’s talking about also emphasizes an individual’s progress – which is giving him “extreme pleasure” rather than a team result. Despite having managed to break into the knockouts, the players have made the move to Mumbai.
So when everyone knew what they were doing, the result was visible.
Apart from this, one thing that was also special about Majumdar and the team was to manage the workload of the bowlers and ensure that they do not feel burnt out.
And more importantly, they have played all five matches for Mumbai.
“The bowling unit has been fantastic, they have been trying for the whole 365 days,” Muzumdar said. “The trainers and physio have done a fantastic job. Dhawal has led the pack well. He is like someone who mentors and takes them under the wings and gives them the freedom to do so.
“Shams Mulani’s… Brilliant performance in this season. He didn’t take a single wicket in this match [semi-final]But he has been fantastic so far this season. There are some changes that have happened during the season and it is paying off.”
“This generation has been fantastic… it’s been amazing working with them, [and] just shaping them”
Majumdar on his youth team
Muzumdar feels the “courageous” generation has the “spirit of Bombay’s heritage” that has grown up in the country. maidens of Mumbai, and that every player values the coveted Mumbai Cap.
For example, this is what Majumdar told Jaiswal before the knockout: “If you like batting, show me. There’s no point in talking in the dressing room. If you’re between those 22 yards, you’re on display.” May be you like batting”.
And Jaiswal proved it by scoring three consecutive centuries. Interestingly, in the semi-final, he swallowed 54 balls and was eventually dismissed for 181. Mind you, Jaiswal was playing first-class cricket soon after his stay with Rajasthan Royals, getting ready for T20 cricket. Few days before Ranji quarter final.
“the only difference [in this generation’s approach] How do you take it and how do you bring it into the dressing room; How do you keep that dressing room light,” Mazumdar said. “It shouldn’t be heavy. That has been the goal.
“This generation has been fantastic. I keep telling them that if you work on your game, the world is your oyster. There is no looking back. Look at the opportunity. Working with them has been amazing, [and] Just shaping them. It gives me great pleasure to see them grow.”
Keeping the group motivated was “a different challenge this season” as Ranji was played in two stages, but Muzumdar said a team bonding session with the National Security Guard (NSG) in October last year and an in-season during the month The fitness program of April and May for Ranji players who were not part of the IPL also helped.
“There are a lot of things in a season – a lot of ups and downs, out-of-form players and a lot of things to deal with,” Muzumdar said. “We want to follow our process and focus on what we’ve done in our dressing room”.
Srinidhi Ramanujam is a Sub-Editor with ESPNcricinfo
