09 April,2021 10:03 PM IST | Mumbai | Subodh Mayure
Vinod Kambli in 2019. Picture/ PRAKASH PARSEKAR
India batsman Vinod Kambli is eager to start his new innings in IPL-14 as a Marathi commentator along with his ex-skipper on the inter-office circuit, Sandeep Patil.
Kambli has a special message to all Mumbai players - Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Dhawal Kulkarni and Arjun Tendulkar, Delhi Capitals' Ajinkya Rahane and Prithvi Shaw, Chennai Super Kings' Shardul Thakur, Rajasthan Royals Shivam Dube and Yashasvi Jaiswal and Punjab Kings Sarfaraz Khan - play with a fearless attitude.
"All Mumbai players should play for their respective IPL teams with a Dada mindset. They must show their class and tell the world why Mumbai cricket is different to others," Kambli told mid-day on Thursday.
When asked about his new role, Kambli, 49, who will be seen commentating on Hotstar, said: "Challenge accepted."
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"I am very excited as I will be doing commentary in Marathi. I will be sharing this platform with Sandy [Patil] sir, He was my captain in the SunGrace Mafatlal team. It was a treat to watch his batting, the way he effortlessly dispatched balls over the boundary ropes. I am getting an opportunity to play with him again although in a different way. I am sure I will enjoy this," said Kambli.
The stylish left-handed batsman, who 1,084 runs in 17 Tests with an impressive average of 54.20, scored 2,477 runs in 104 ODIs, encouraged youngsters to play innovative shots in T20 format.
"I never played the Tillakaratne Dilshan shot [Dilscoop]. My shots were straight over the bowler's head. However, those who are comfortable playing such innovative shots, must play them. It's not an easy job. These batsmen work really hard to play such shots and I like it," remarked Kambli.
Kambli is an admirer of Mumbai Indians. "It's aapli Mumbai [our Mumbai]. I am looking forward to MI celebrating a hat/trick of championships this year. But all teams are tough and it will be a good competition," Kambli said.
