Ashok Mankad: wily old fox with plans to tackle Hyderabad

They say that every successful cricket team has an anxious coach behind the scenes. Ashok Mankad, known for his clever tactics and eagle eye for detail on the field is anything but anxious. The Mumbai coach backs his boys one hundred percent.

Last year, the Mumbai team did not even qualify for the Ranji Trophy Super League. This year they have won match after match outright and are waiting for Hyderabad in their home ground. The Hyderabad team that will take on Mumbai tomorrow has one of the biggest names in Indian cricket in its ranks - Mohammed Azharuddin. VVS Laxman is in the peak of form, and will come to the finals with an innings of 353 behind him. Does Mankad fear them? "We don't fear anybody. We know that they are both good cricketers and we respect them for that. But we have our plans to tackle them" he said, talking to the press the day before the final. This is especially true given the fact that Mumbai are playing at home "The home advantage is tremendous. It has given us a great platform. Now there's just one more match to follow and we are looking to finish on a winning note" added the Mumbai coach.

But how did they manage to turn things around? "Attitude. There has been a change in the attitude of all the boys this season. A lot has changed since last year. Instead of dissipating their energy trying too hard to make it to the Indian team, the Mumbai boys are all fighting hard for Mumbai." This was obvious in the semifinal encounter against Tamil Nadu.

When it came to team selection, it was decided that Mumbai would go into the final with a four pronged pace attack. This is understandable given the weakness of the opposition and the kind of pitch that has been prepared. This means that Ramesh Powar would miss out despite an average showing. However, Mankad was quick to add "We are not dropping anyone. It so happens that someone has to be left out." On a more philosophical note, the Mumbai coach added "There is no pain known to mankind like the pain of death. The loss and pain of death is the ultimate pain. I would compare this to the pain a coach feels when he can't play a good player."

When asked whether he was worried about slow over rates, Mankad conceded "We may have to pay some penalty because of the delays. But I do not want to disturb the rhythm of the bowlers at any cost. The fast bowlers will have to be used in short spells to retain that edge throughout the day. This way we will also make sure we utilise the new ball to best advantage."

Mankad is very clear about his priorities. He wants to see this Mumbai team lift the Ranji Trophy 2000.

In confidence, captain Sameer Dighe is not far behind. "We are all very confident and will play very hard to win this final" he said. When asked the potentially tricky question of what it was like to captain a side that had stars like Tendulkar and Kambli in it, he replied "they are all mature players. On the field it is so good to have Sachin in the slips. He is never quiet for long. He goes to the bowler, gives him some advice. He is a genius. And when it comes to making decisions, we do things together."

Lastly he added, "There really is no extra pressure. We enjoy playing together and that's the key." It certainly has worked for the Mumbai team thus far. If they can extend their winning streak by one more match, there will be a lot of happy fans at the Wankhede Stadium on the last day of the match.