Former captains say this is the most balanced Vidarbha cricket team ever

NAGPUR: In the last sixty years, several Vidarbha captains tried their best but none could achieve what Faiz Fazal has done this season. It was not that the previous captains were short of efforts but somehow desired results always eluded them, especially in the knock-outs.
The skippers of past are happy today. They believe that Faiz Fazal would realize their unfulfilled wish with yet another inspiring performance against Delhi in the summit clash scheduled at the Holkar Stadium in Indore from December 29.
Vidarbha made to their first-ever final after a sensational five-run victory against formidable Karnataka.The superb comeback against the former champions as convinced almost all the former Vidarbha captains that this present team is the best the region has ever seen.
"Hats off to Vidarbha Ranji team. They have done it for us. This season Vidarbha team has been playing as a very well knit unit and moreover every player in the team is performing when the need arises," said Hemant Wasu.
The former ace all-rounder praised Rajneesh Gurbani and compared him to yesteryears speed merchant Ashok Bhagwat. "Rajneesh reminds me of Ashok Bhagwat. During our time Ashok used to move the ball both ways with same delivery action. Rajneesh is just like him. I think Delhi's pacer Saini is also doing well and we should plan a strategy to counter him," added Wasu.
Wasu also had a word of praise for coach Chandrakat Pandit. "Chandu Pandit has done a superb job with the players. I strongly feel our team will come out with flying colours in final at Indore," said Wasu.
Post the quarterfinal thumping of Kerala, Suhas Phadkar had predicted that the team would make it to the final. The legendary middle-order bat is happy that his prediction has come true.
"This present Ranji unit is certainly one of the best all-round and balanced team. Each and every player is giving 100% contribution. Top-order and middle-order batsmen are scoring runs heavily. They are in prime form. Spinners Wakhare, Sarvate are doing their jobs quite well. Gurbani is the find of the season. Sarvate is playing very crucial role with his versatility," said Phadkar.
The stylish batsman, who was once compared to legendary Sunil Gavaskar, is confident of Vidarbha emerging champions. "Faiz is leading from the front. He along with his opening partner R Sanjay and Ganesh Satish are the mainstay of the batting department. I am confident that Vidarbha will definitely win the title this season," said Phadkar.
Manish Dosi said the team had showed lot of character after in the semifinal against Karnataka. "The team had been doing consistently well both in batting and bowling. Against Karnataka they staged an exceptionally brilliant comeback after being dismissed for 185. All credit to Faiz, Pandit, Gurbani and the entire team for their never-say-die attitude," said Dosi.
The former left-arm spinner feels that Vidarbha needs to pile up a big total in final. "I think we need to post big total on the board to beat Delhi. They have a strong batting line-up and they can chase any total. Their bowlers have been doing a fantastic job. We should be very careful about opting for the best eleven as Umesh Yadav and Lalit Yadav won't be there. I believe the best is yet of this side is yet to come. I am confident that we will win the final," said Dosi.
While lauding the efforts of entire team, Paresh Sutane said the team is lucky to have Pandit as the coach.
"I must say it's a splendid performance by all the boys. It's a dream come true for every Vidarbha supporter. Faiz, Sanjay and Rajneesh stood out with their spectacular show. The team is fortunate to have a coach like Pandit. He certainly has made a big difference. He made the boys believe in themselves and that they can perform well on any platform. I am confident that they will get the championship this season," said Sutane.
Former Vidarbha all-rounder Samir Khare said, "It has been amazing journey for Vidarbha cricket since we started representing. Now it's a dream come true and proud moment for Vidarbha cricket. Amazing contributions from each player at the right time when needed and skipper Faiz led from the front. We should not forget the man behind the mission Chandrakant Pandit. Heartiest congratulations to Team Vidarbha and all the best for final."