Vadodara: Often termed ‘khadoos' (mean) for their grit on the field, Mumbai cricketers are tough opponents in first-class games. One Baroda bowler has been giving the Mumbai batsmen sleepless nights in the Ranji Trophy . In their last two matches, Bhargav Bhatt ran through the Mumbai batting line-up and bagged 24 wickets.
Thanks to his bowling, Baroda recently beat Mumbai in the Ranji tie at Kotambi International Cricket Stadium — a feat they achieved after 26 years! "If you want to beat the champions, you must play like a champion and give your best. My focus was on playing my best game and giving the Mumbai batsmen a tough time. They have some of the best players," Bhatt, a left-arm spinner, told TOI.
Bhatt got 10 wickets against Mumbai in the Ranji match at Vadodara a few days ago. In Feb, Bhatt walked away with 14 scalps in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals against Mumbai. He got seven wickets in each innings, dismissing batsmen such as Ajinkya Rahane and Prithvi Shaw.
On whether he had a specific bowling plan against Mumbai, Bhatt said, "I keep my game simple and focus on my stock ball. I did this against Mumbai, who won the Ranji Trophy last season and were high on confidence after winning the Irani Cup too. I just kept my nerve, bowled at the right places and didn't let their reputation affect my performance.
" "My performance against Mumbai is being talked about, but I have been taking wickets consistently. In the last 10 Ranji matches, I have taken 60 wickets," Bhatt.
