If the loss to Jammu & Kashmir at home less than a fortnight ago had shaken Mumbai, they will be hoping it has stirred them as well. As another Ranji Trophy season enters its business end, there is no room for further slip-ups. While the defending champions thrashed Meghalaya in a must-win match to pip Baroda to the quarter-finals, Haryana — their opponents in the five-day joust beginning here on Saturday — is a different kettle of fish.

No home advantage

Unbeaten Haryana will be disappointed at losing home advantage — a privilege they earned by topping their group — after the BCCI, in a late and unexplained decision, moved the match from Lahli to Eden Gardens. But, then, conditions here are expected to lend themselves nicely to their strengths. The carry and bounce in the wicket should suit their potent pace attack led by Anshul Kamboj, who has not only been among the wickets but also created a flutter when he picked up all 10 in an innings against Kerala at Lahli.