Cop Sachin Chaudhari is setting the pace in Mumbai maidans

While hundreds of cricketers plied their trade at Cross Maidan yesterday, Sachin Chaudhari was the cynosure of all eyes. The excitement to watch genuine pace bowling was quite evident amongst pedestrians as they literally stopped to see Chaudhari in action.


Sachin Chaudhari Pic/Atul Kamble

Though there was no equipment to measure his bowling speed, he was able to generate enough pace even with a semi-new ball on the dusty National Cricket Club wicket. The pace seemed too hot to handle as former Mumbai skipper Amol Muzumdar, who never wears a helmet in local games, had to put one while facing the Jalgaon constable.

His fiery pace has bagged the 25-year-old as many as 25 wickets in only three Times Shield 'B' Division games for Greater Mumbai Police. Yesterday, he steamrolled Reliance Energy with 6-43, including the prized wicket of Muzumdar (55), to help his side qualify for the semis.

"This season is turning out to be a good one for me. My accuracy has improved to a great extent. I thank my seniors in the team, and coaches at various stages for helping me improve. Amol's wicket was very special. He is a difficult batsman to remove," Chaudhari told MiD DAY.u00a0

He hoped his good run would help him fetch a berth in the Maharashtra Ranji Trophy team. "I have been in their probables list since the last two years. I did not get a chance to play in the U-19 and U-22 teams. I hope to play in the Ranji Trophy this year," he said.

Pace, a priority
Chaudhari said his thrust has always been on pace and will never compromise on it. "I always wanted to become a fast bowler. There have been many cricketers who bowl fast, but slow down later. Hopefully, I will be able to maintain my pace because I am working really hard on my accuracy and fitness," he said. Let's hope it's not another case of a youngster bursting onto the scene with promising pace and steadily fading out.

Chaudhari's great Times Shield run..
'u00a0Vs Indian Navy: 4-38 & 5-37
' Vs Future Group: 3-16 & 7-53
' Vs Reliance: 6-43

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