Tare thrilled to take over as Mumbai captain

He may not have taken over the reins of Mumbai's Ranji Trophy team in ideal circumstances but Aditya Tare is thrilled to have been appointed captain of the most successful domestic side.

"It's a great responsibility and a great feeling to have been asked to lead the Mumbai team," Tare told ESPNcricinfo after Mumbai reached Vadodara for their penultimate game of the league stage against in-form Baroda. "With the glorious past we have had, Mumbai team has a rich legacy. I along with all my teammates would try and take it forward."

Despite putting up a brave front, Tare admitted that his immediate task is "extremely challenging". After a season that has seen them losing to Jammu & Kashmir in the first contest between the two teams and then conceding their first innings defeat in 64 years in Chennai last week, Mumbai are placed sixth in Group A standings with 11 points.

"It's an extremely challenging situation. We have two games left and we have to win them outright to qualify. The good thing is that we still have an opportunity and we will give it our best shot."

If Mumbai win both their games, they will be in with a good chance to finish in the top three and qualify for the knockouts. However, with the bottom-placed Uttar Pradesh just three points behind them, Mumbai are still in danger of being relegated to the lowest rung of the tournament if they continue their lacklustre form.

Tare wasn't even thinking about the r-word. "We know we haven't played great cricket. And the points table speaks for itself. We just want to try and give our best. If we can do that, we know we can still make it to the knockouts."

Suryakumar Yadav, the maverick batsman who was given the charge of the team at the start of the season, has been involved in various spats with his teammates on and off the field. Since Yadav's behaviour didn't improve despite being issued a stern warning by the Mumbai Cricket Association in the middle of the season, the MCA management had told selectors to replace him. It resulted in Yadav relinquishing captaincy on Sunday.

Tare, known as a good man-manager, said he has had a word with Yadav. "We are very good friends. We have been teammates for years now. We are matured individuals," Tare said, adding that the team has been trying its best to keep the negative vibes out of the dressing room.

"We are professional cricketers. I wouldn't want to control what happens off the field. But I expect them to control things on the field. Obviously at the moment, we want the focus to be only on delivering in the next two games. I am sure all the players would succeed in it."