Date:03/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/07/03/stories/2009070356531600.htm

Sport - Cricket

‘Mumbai as strong as ever’

Mumbai: Mumbai may no longer enjoy the pre-eminent status in Indian cricket, but former India captain and chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar has sought to dispel the notion that the game has declined in the metropolis.

“There are some people who are having their doubts about Mumbai cricket but I still feel Mumbai cricket is as strong as ever,” said Vengsarkar.

Mumbai, then Bombay, dominated the national scene from the late 1950s to the early 1970s by clinching a world record 15 Ranji Trophy titles on the trot and also had the lion’s share of members in the national team.

Mumbai’s total haul of 38 national titles is miles ahead of second-placed Delhi’s seven crowns, but of late — leave aside Tendulkar or Zaheer — no other player has cemented a permanent place in the side.

“After retiring from first class cricket stalwarts like Vijay Manjrekar, Ramakant Desai and Madhav Mantri used to take part in local tournaments and, watching them, the youngsters learned a lot. I feel today’s cricketers also should take a leaf out of their book,” he added. — PTI