‘Always looked at Goan cricket with respect’

PANAJI: Hrishikesh Kanitkar knows all about winning. He is the man who hit a last-ball winning boundary in fading light in India's memorable victory over Pakistan, accumulated more than 8000-plus runs in Ranji Trophy and remains the only captain in Ranji history to lift the Elite and Plate league titles. Kanitkar will now steer Goa’s challenge in the Ranji Trophy and instill that winning mentality.The ex-India player spoke exclusive to TOI.
Excerpts:
You retired from first class cricket early this month and now dive straightway into coaching. Did you always want to do this after retirement?
It was one of the things I was always interested in. Having spent so many years playing cricket, I believe I am well equipped for this role.
Were you expecting a coaching offer so soon?
I was talking to a couple of people but Goa had the most interesting offer. Goa can be moulded into a competitive unit. This offer was welcome.
Goa’s performance in Ranji Trophy has been far from satisfactory. You’ve been a veteran on the domestic circuit. What were your impressions about Goan cricket?
I have played against Goa and every time we came up against Goa, we made it a point not to take Goa lightly. There is talent here and we always looked at Goan cricket with respect. We knew if we were complacent, they could be dangerous. They have worked with various coaches but to be successful they must win crucial moments when it really matters. A couple of seasons ago Goa came quite close and missed by a small margin. Goa must learn to win moments that make a difference.
You are the only captain in Ranji Trophy history to lift the Elite and Plate league titles. Will that help in cultivating a winning habit?
Definitely. I think I work with them well. When I first joined Rajasthan, I was doing a similar role. There were a lot of youngsters and a couple of senior players. I shared my knowledge and helped make a difference.
Can the Rajasthan model be replicated here?
Not the exact model but psychologically I think working with the boys will be beneficial. They have what it takes. I just need to bind them into a single unit and get the best out of them.
The Ranji Trophy season starts in October. How soon do you intend to start training?
I will be in Goa again in the first week of August to have a word with the boys. We will then chalk out a plan and take it forward.
Goa has already signed Dheeraj Jadhav and Prasanth Parameswaran as two of their professional players. Are you looking at inducting another player of your choice?
Both these players will strengthen the team. Dheeraj is tenacious in four-day games and doesn’t give away his wicket. Batting higher up the order, you need someone who values his wicket. Parameswaran, with his left-arm seam, will add variety and help make a difference. He has, after all, played for a strong side like Tamil Nadu (last season).
Have you set any target for the season?
The obvious target will be to quality for the knockout stage. That’s what we are aiming for at the beginning of the season. Once we qualify, we can start thinking of winning the quarterfinal and beyond. Our short term target will be to make a strong start (in Ranji Trophy). I reiterate that Goa has the talent; they only need a spark and someone to show them the way. Hopefully, I will be able to do that.