Powar's return a big boost: Mumbai coach Amre

Things seem to be falling back on track for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy.

After a start that would have disappointed the team, the defending champions are now second in their group and will be playing bottom-placed Hyderabad with an eye on getting full points and possibly even a bonus point.

The four-day game starts from today at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal.

And the return of veteran all-rounder Ramesh Powar will surely work as a huge bonus. The 31-year-old was out with a side stress after his match-saving hundred against Punjab and will be spearheading Mumbai's spin department once again.

"To have Ramesh back is a big bonus for us. He can run through a side single-handedly and has always performed with the bat when the team is down. And his experience will also be a huge help on the field," Mumbai coach Praveen Amre said.

"Hyderabad may be at the bottom but they have always been a good side and they also have the advantage of playing at home. Ramesh's return has solved many problems for us," Amre added.

The return of Powar gives the Mumbai side a lot of options when it comes to picking the playing XI. With Ajit Agarkar also capable of coming up with big knocks when needed, the side now has two quality bowling all-rounders.

"Such a situation always helps. We know both Ramesh and Ajit can bat well and that gives us the freedom to explore various combinations.

"We can even look to play a batsman less and strengthen our bowling since we know both of them can get runs," said Amre adding that Powar's return will mean that either Harmeet Singh or Iqbal Abdulla will have to make way.

Both the left-arm spinners played a crucial role in the last two games.