Ranji Trophy: Karsan Ghavri hoping to end on a high

KOLKATA: Saurashtra are standing on the cusp of history, just one win away from what could be their maiden Ranji Trophy title, as they face Bengal in the final at Rajkot from Monday. Not just for the players, a win would have special significance for coach Karsan Ghavri too.
The team is charged up to made amends after losing to Vidarbha in the final last season. "We are looking forward to crossing the line this time," Ghavri told TOI from Rajkot on Friday evening.
The former India pacer has decided to bid goodbye to coaching after this five-day clash. "I am not getting any younger. The season is very long and involves a lot of travelling. I feel it's time for me to say goodbye to the game as a coach," Ghavri, who suffered a heart attack in 2016, said.
"I will remain associated with the game, perhaps as a mentor or in any other capacity, but will not have an active role on the field," the 69-year-old, who returned to coaching this season, 13 years after shepherding Tripura in 2006, said.
The former left-arm medium-pacer, who took charge of Saurashtra after Sitanshu Kotak was appointed India 'A' coach last year, has seen it all over the years, being part of Mumbai cricket for a lengthy period.
"I was fortunate enough to be part of the Mumbai Ranji Trophy winning side twice as coach. It is a great feeling to win the coveted trophy. I will love to end on a high by winning my last final," he remarked.
However, Ghavri, who had been in charge of Bengal in the 2004-05 season, knows it is easier said than done. "Being a coach of Bengal and also facing them during my playing days, I always felt they have been a good side and has quality players. I am sure they have done quite a bit of hard work to reach the final, so it won't be easy," he felt.
There won't be any split royalty for him, though. "You want your team to win at all cost and it doesn't matter who you are against," he said.
Planning his strategy for the young Bengal brigade, Ghavri was happy to note that new talent is emerging. "I have heard about the Bengal youngsters, who are doing very well. We are excited to face them. It's nice to see them doing well. It speaks highly about the talent India has and it's necessary to nurture them," Ghavri, who has played in 39 Tests and 19 ODIs, added.
Ghavri hopes this final heralds in a new dawn for Saurashtra. "If we win this time, it will make a big difference for Saurashtra and domestic cricket as a whole. It's always nice to see new teams become champions. This gives confidence to all who wants to pick up the game. The ultimate aim is to play for the country, so such occasion (Ranji win) will hopefully open up new doors for them," he concluded.