Players don't value Mumbai cap: Vinayak Samant

MUMBAI: An emotional Mumbai coach Vinayak Samant has lashed out at his players after his team lost to Gujarat by nine wickets at the Wankhede on Saturday.
Samant, the former wicketkeeper who played for Mumbai when it had a vice-like grip on domestic cricket, said the perception that Mumbai players don't value their Ranji cap stands true.
"Yes, that is true. There are not many players in this team who have won (The Ranji Trophy) that's why they don't value it (the cap)," said Samant.

The 46-year-old blamed the players' technique for Mumbai's struggles in red-ball cricket. "Thanks to the IPL, they can now play for India, but playing four days and staying on the wicket is very difficult because we have stroke players in our side. Even they (Gujarat) played well.
"I've said repeatedly that we have to work on our techniques. That's why our Mumbai U-16 bunch is very important. We need to work on their techniques now, so that when they reach this level where they will be able to handle tough conditions. It's not easy to change techniques when they reach at this stage."
Mumbai's batting was exposed on a seamer-friendly track, more so, the openers. Akhil Herwadakar and Jay Bista fared miserably in the match. While Herwadkar (10) edged the ball behind in both innings, Bista (8) was trapped leg-before twice.
"We batted horribly, very horribly. Both innings we did not get an opening stand, one down struggled too. Against Karnataka too it was the same story."
Samant indicated that they are likely to be a few changes for the next match against Maharashtra.
"Unfortunately, we will have to take a few decisions. If we have to back a good player then how we have to back him it's important. The batsmen need to bat intelligently," he said.
Mumbai picked Armaan Jaffer after trying out Ashay Sardesai in the first two matches. Jaffer, fresh from a triple hundred an U-23 game, managed to score 0 & 5 and was out showing poor shot selection.