Shamik Chakrabarty, Mumbai
From coaching the U-23 Mumbai side to becoming the chief selector of the Mumbai senior men’s team — Rajesh Pawar is ready for the challenge. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) rejigged the selection panel on Thursday and Pawar, the former Mumbai and Baroda left-arm spinner, replaced Sanjay Patil to helm the senior selection committee.
It’s too early to spell out a vision, but Pawar, who took 281 wickets in 84 first-class matches, has something in mind. “The focus will be on strengthening the bowling department, especially unearthing new fast bowlers,” he said, speaking to RevSportz. “Bowlers win matches and tournaments, (and) it would be important to have (fast) bowlers who can take more than 20 wickets in a (Ranji Trophy) season.”
Mumbai went with a pace-bowling pack of Shardul Thakur, Mohit Avasthi and Tushar Deshpande — all 30-plus — in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Karnataka last season, a game they lost at home. The MCA has already initiated a talent hunt for fast bowlers and that should help. “Of course it will,” said Pawar. “Also, I was the Mumbai U-23 coach for the last four seasons. So, my experience of working with the youngsters will help.”
Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy in the 2023-24 season. The last two seasons, however, the 42-time champions failed to reach the finals. “I won’t say we have done badly, but yes, demands are different here,” Pawar agreed.
The other members in the selection committee are Ravi Thakar, Jitendra Thackeray, Vikrant Yeligeti and Ravi Kulkarni.
Meanwhile, Omkar Salvi has been retained as senior men’s head coach for the 2026-27 season. Speaking on that, MCA president Ajinkya Naik said: “We are delighted to continue with Omkar as head coach of the Mumbai senior men’s team. His calm temperament, strategic thinking, and ability to bring the best out of players have been instrumental and keep the team united. The Cricket Improvement Committee fully backs his vision, and we look forward to another progressive and successful season for Mumbai cricket under his guidance.”
Salvi as Mumbai coach has won the Ranji Trophy, the Irani Cup and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
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