Vinay's heart is set on title

Hyderabad: On the eve of the Ranji Trophy final against Maharashtra at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium here in Hyderabad, Karnataka skipper R. Vinay Kumar exuded a quiet confidence.

He leads a squad which has eight players who played that heartbreaking loss to Mumbai in the final of the 2009-10 season at home and now, he’s determined to not let history repeat.

“All eight players from the 2009-10 are eager to to make up for that loss. Our main aim from the start of this season had been to win the Ranji Trophy. If ever there was a time to play to our potential, this is it,” Vinay said.

On Maharashtra, he said: “They’re a good side, for sure. But we are not really thinking about our opposition. Our mantra is to play to our strengths, not to their weaknesses.”

For Maharashtra skipper, the young Rohit Motwani, it is a surreal feeling to be playing in the final of India’s first class tournament. “It is a matter of great pride that we’re in the final. It’s not often that one gets a chance to win the Ranji Trophy. But our main task right now is to play each session well. Winning the title is the ultimate goal and will be at the back of my mind, but I’ll take it one step at a time.”