Outstanding Season in MPL
Ratnagiri Jets captain Azim Kazi is gearing up for the second consecutive Maharashtra Premier League (MPL) final after a spectacular season. The left-handed batter is the leading run-getter for the franchise in the ongoing edition with 281 runs in 11 games, including a half-century and a strike rate of 105.64.
Team Performance in MPL
In an exclusive interview with IANS, Kazi shared his thoughts on his performance in the league, the impact of the league on Maharashtra cricket, and how Ruturaj Gaikwad has been a constant support to the youngsters.
Tournament Journey
Kazi mentioned that the team wants to finish the tournament on a high note and continue their momentum. They have no pressure of playing successive finals as they have followed their process throughout the season. The focus was to continue last year’s momentum.
Promising Talents in MPL
Kazi acknowledged the performance of his team throughout the season, stating that everyone has performed well. He emphasized that experienced players know when to click at the right time. He also highlighted several young talents like Kiran Chormale, Abhishek Pawar, Sachin Dhas, and others who have performed well.
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Impact
Kazi discussed the valuable input from Ruturaj Gaikwad, who shares his learnings with the youngsters, helping them improve their game. After MPL matches, Gaikwad engages in conversations with the young players, providing them with insights.
Path to IPL
Kazi expressed his determination to use MPL as a platform to secure an IPL contract. He believes that one impactful inning can bring a player into the highlight, as seen with Arshi last year who hit a century and secured an IPL contract.
Preparations and Future Prospects
Reflecting on last year’s inconsistent performance, Kazi noted that the team had a 40-day camp before the MPL season, which focused on all aspects of the game. This preparation has shown results, with the team having 10 matches to be consistent compared to five matches last season.
Kazi praised Satyajeet Bachhav as the leading wicket-taker for Maharashtra across formats and mentioned other players like Abhishek Pawar, who has secured his spot in the team through exceptional performance.
Team Morale
The team’s morale is very high as they enter the final for the second consecutive time. They plan to follow their process and execute their plans, focusing on lifting the trophy.
With the MPL providing a significant platform for players, Kazi and his team are eager to showcase their talent and aim for success in the league, eyeing opportunities in the IPL.(Dubai7 realmoneygame)