20 August,2009 07:50 AM IST | | Sanjjeev K Samyal
Experts believe that while Mumbai will miss assam-bound Muzumdar, the veteran too would've preferred to become Ranji trophy's highest run-getter in Mumbai colours
Leaving your home team is always tough and on most occasions acrimonious. But, there are no complaints against Mumbai stalwart Amol Muzumdar's decision to leave the city's Ranji team for Assam this season. Most experts are understanding of his decision and appreciate his contribution to Mumbai cricket.
Tough decision
Former Mumbai players Chandrakant Pandit and Sulakshan Kulkarni, both having made a similar move during their career, admitted the decision as "the toughest" for any player.
"You are so passionate about Mumbai. It is like leaving your own house and staying in a rented house. Wearing the Mumbai cap gives an entirely different feeling, it's great for your confidence. It's a champion team. It's as good as playing for India," said Pandit, who moved on from Mumbai to play for Madhya Pradeshu00a0 (MP) and Assam.
"Leaving Mumbai is a very difficult decision. And it is for this reason that many players in the past did not leave even though their careers suffered," said Kulkarni, who went on to represent Assam, MP and Vidarbha after leaving Mumbai.
Muzumdar, who made his Ranji debut for Mumbai in 1993-94 and aggregates a whopping 7,593 runs, needs only 31 more to become the highest run-getter in the Ranji Trophy.
Former India stumper Pandit felt that just like how Mumbai will miss Muzumdar, he too will miss getting to the coveted record in Mumbai colours.
"He'd surely have been more happy to achieve the record wearing the Mumbai cap," said Pandit.
"Everyone has a right to take the decision. But, the Mumbai team will miss his experience. He was the only senior player available for all matches. Mumbai needed him to be around for the next two to three years at least," said Pandit.
Understandable
Kulkarni said Muzumdar's decision to leave was understandable.
"It is a very big year for him as he's on the verge of becoming the highest run-getter in Ranji Trophy.
"Amol already has one big regret that he never played international cricket and now he may have got the feeling that he's not a certainty for Mumbai this season. And if so, then not getting to the highest run-getter's record would have been his second big regret," reasoned Kulkarni.
"In his 16-year career, except for two seasons, Muzumdar has averaged 500 runs a year. He's been a great servant of Mumbai cricket. I have very high regard for him," added Kulkarni.
