Dighe, Mokashi included in Mumbai’s senior selection panel

Thrilled at being appointed a Mumbai senior selector, former India stumper Sameer Dighe said his main focus would be to show faith in talented players.

Dighe, Mokashi included in Mumbai's senior selection panel

Thrilled at being appointed a Mumbai senior selector, former India stumper Sameer Dighe said his main focus would be to show faith in talented players.

"It's important to stick with talent even if a player has failed in a few games. Finding young talent and giving them confidence will be my focus," Dighe told MiD DAY.

Former Mumbai off-spinner Kiran Mokashi was recalled to the panel. Dighe and Mokashi replace Shishir Hattangadi and Abey Kuruvilla. The panel will be headed by former Mumbai left arm spinner Padmakar Shivalkar with ex-Mumbai swing bowler Abdul Ismail completing the line-up.

Another advantage for Dighe is that he has a good rapport with other selection committee members. He played with Padmakar Shivalkar for Tata Sports Cub and with Mokashi in Mumbai Ranji team when he started his career.

"I was fortunate to play three-four years with Paddy Sir at Tata SC. It was great to have Mokashi in the team when I made my Ranji trophy debut. He was great help for the youngsters," said Dighe.

"It's a great feeling to be back to Mumbai cricket. The last three years I was coaching in Tripura and Hong Kong. It's not a difficult job for me as I am playing with them and know all the players. I have been an under-17 and under-19 selector as well," added Dighe.

More importantly, it was the first Cricket Improvement Committee meeting chaired by Sunil Gavaskar. And according to Mumbai Cricket Association Joint Secretary Lalchand Rajput, the batting great made a fine impression in his new innings at the MCA.

"Gavaskar's inputs were very good. There was a proposal to reduce the Times Shield to two-day games because of the time frame but Gavaskar said we should stick with the customary three-day matches. He said we have to look ahead and have as many meetings as possible," said Rajput.

"Overall, it was a very good meeting which went very smoothly. A lot of appointments had to be done so it took a long time. The best man was chosen for each job."