Mumbai start off-season camp with Ajinkya Rahane prioritising fitness, game plan

Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) off-season training camp lasts for three months, and Ajinkya Rahane has encouraged his teammates to take full advantage of it. With the theme of “Home of the Champions” for the upcoming domestic season, the training camp has begun.

Rahane helped Mumbai defeat Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy finals this year, securing a record-tying 42nd Ranji Trophy victory. He has been talking a lot lately about the value of training camps and how they provide the players a chance to get fitter and create strategies that will help them when the season starts.

“It will motivate a lot of young people to succeed for Mumbai, preserve the heritage, and perform well for Mumbai across all age groups (teams),” Rahane said to the reporters.

“I would like the players to concentrate on improving their fitness and game plan, as this is the opportunity to truly concentrate on your personal growth,” Rahane responded when asked what kind of work he thought the players should do.

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“After the season begins, everything revolves around what the team needs you to do. The focus of these two to three months is on improving each person’s fitness and skill set,” he continued.

Ajinkya Rahane on Dhawal Kulkarni’s position as bowling mentor: “I am sure he will find good bowlers for Mumbai and India.”

Dhawal Kulkarni, a Mumbai icon and former cricket player for India, announced his retirement in March following his fifth Ranji Trophy victory. All teams, regardless of age category, have appointed him as their bowling mentor. Rahane commended MCA for selecting Kulkarni for the significant position, stating that the 35-year-old has the capacity to recognise talent and guide it towards achievement.

“MCA made a very commendable gesture. I’m sure that will help because he has represented India and played Mumbai for a long time,” he remarked.

“He is able to identify and nurture talent in people of different ages. Rahane continued, “I am confident he can find quality bowlers for Mumbai and India.