Head coach Omkar Salvi upbeat over Buchi Babu-headed Mumbai

Omkar Salvi

Mumbai senior team's head coach Omkar Salvi is confident that his bowling unit is capable of claiming 20 wickets in each of their Ranji Trophy games this season.
Pacer Dhawal Kulkarni's 16-member squad will leave for Salem, Tamil Nadu, today to be part of the All India Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament in preparation for the 2023-24 domestic season.

"We had selection trials and shortlisted bowlers. They definitely have good potential. We had a camp for spinners as well. With improved fitness levels, their performance will showcase results as well. Our main goal is to claim 20 wickets in a match and we will attain this," Salvi told mid-day on Friday.

Salvi, who was earlier Mumbai's bowling coach before serving Kolkata Knight Riders as an assistant bowling coach, reckoned the expectations and pressure to win the 42nd Ranji title is actually an opportunity for players to become heroes.

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He remarked: "Pressure is not new to Mumbai players. They are used to handling it. In fact, I think they will be motivated [by pressure]."

About winning the Ranji title, Salvi said, "It's a long journey, just like a marathon. So let us go step by step. We are preparing well, our process is good, so let us focus on the process." Discipline will be paramount if Mumbai are to get back to winning ways, something which they enjoyed when Chandrakant Pandit was coach several years ago. Salvi is well aware of Pandit's thrust. "Chandu sir instilled discipline. Not only me, the whole MCA [Mumbai Cricket Association] are focused on player discipline. Also, I feel the players' fitness has improved a lot in the last seven-eight weeks, which will help them in the upcoming season," Salvi added.
Mumbai play Delhi in their opening game of the Buchi Babu tournament in Salem on August 15.