If Mumbai is aiming to retain their Ranji Trophy title for the third consecutive year, then they need to be "ruthless" in their approach, reckoned former Mumbai coach Balwinder Singh Sandhu

Mumbai need to be ruthless: Sandhu

If Mumbai is aiming to retain their Ranji Trophy title for the third consecutive year, then they need to be "ruthless" in their approach, reckoned former Mumbai coach Balwinder Singh Sandhu.

Mumbai's opening day against Saurashtra was like a movie that leaves a sour taste because of a poor climax.

However, skipper Wasim Jaffer's men lost their way after tea as they gave away three wickets for 40 runs, ending Day One of the Ranji Trophy Super League at 340 for seven at the Mumbai Cricket Association's ground in Bandra Kurla Complex yesterday.

Jaffer scored 138 and Rohit Sharma, who is under extreme scrutiny, chipped in with 93.

Dominate
"This was Mumbai's first game after the Irani Trophy and these things happen. But Mumbai need to be ruthless in their approach if they have to retain the title in a dominating fashion," Sandhu, who was present at the game, told MiD DAY. "Mumbai were on top against Saurashtra, but our batsmen played loose shots and gifted their wickets. Our batsmen need to apply themselves in a better way.

"Mumbai should have definitely added more runs at the end of the day," added the 54-year-old.

India's 1983 World Cup-winning member said Mumbai shouldn't get complacent as the season progresses.

"There are other teams who will be preparing to beat Mumbai. All teams are starting from scratch. Mumbai should not rest on their laurels," said Sandhu, who is often remembered for his delivery that clean bowled West Indies' Gordon Greenidge in the World Cup final.

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