HIS presence at the crease would have calming effect on the youngsters batting with him. Whatever be the situation, Vidarbha’s former professional player Ganesh Satish, who was one of the architects of Vidarbha winning twin Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup titles, would never lose his cool. Whenever the team needed him, he delivered and that too without making much noise. His was a prized wicket for the opponents. With Wasim Jaffer, the Karnataka batter made a solid partnership. The rival teams would heave a sigh of relief seeing their back. A very compact player with superb defensive skills, Satish was at ease against the seamer as well as the spinners. Satish, who played a big role in Vidarbha’s revival and their rise at national level, was very happy with the team making it to yet another Ranji Trophy final ... the fourth one, second in succession.

 

“I am very happy for my former team as they have entered another big final. They have reached there playing dominating cricket. Scoring a big number of outright wins and staying unbeaten, they have played some superb cricket throughout the season. I am very confident that they will win against Kerala dominating the final in the same way,” said Satish while talking to ‘The Hitavada’. Satish, who was a vital cog in the Vidarbha middle-order, was all praise for the entire Vidarbha team but singled out Yash Rathod and Harsh Dubey for special mention. “I am very very happy for junior players. Yash and Harsh ... they have been very good and delivered some awesome performances. “All the players have contributed to the team’s cause to take it to the final and that makes me feel very happy,” said the soft-spoken gentleman. Satish feels that being a balanced side is the hallmark of this team. “The team is a very balanced one. The fast bowling and spin departments both are strong. Generally, the team has got good starts.

 

The middle-order is doing very well and the lower order has also chipped in when required. So, contribution is coming from everybody. Being balanced is the biggest strength of this squad,” Satish, who has over 7000 First-Class runs, explained. On the plus points that Vidarbha have, Satish said, “They have experience of having played big finals and this will help them go all the way. They have been there, even won a couple of titles. Experience of playing those big matches against quality opponents will surely help them.” Wishing the team good luck, Satish asked the players to just enjoy the game as they have nothing to prove to anybody. “I would say just go out and enjoy the game. Vidarbha do not have to prove it to anybody. They have two Ranji and two Irani Cups in their cupboard. Just enjoy the occasion. All the best,” Satish signed off.