A lot of Mumbai players these days take things for granted: Ravi Shastri

Over the years, several cricketers from Mumbai have gone on to play for India. However, their Maharashtra-based side have had a dismal year, to say the least. Be it the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy or the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Mumbai weren’t able to reach the knockout stages in either of the tournaments in 2021

Ravi Shastri recently expressed his disappointment over Mumbai’s performance in the domestic circuit of late as well. He even went on to give examples about how Himachal Pradesh cruised through the final of the 50-over domestic tournament, and how Pondicherry beat Mumbai in a game. Thus, the 59-year-old questioned his former team’s recent failures.

“I sometimes see scoresheets that show Pondicherry beating Mumbai, not that they are an ordinary team, any team can beat any team on a day, but it tells you that there is a problem somewhere. When you see a team like Himachal cruising through to the final, without any big names, and Mumbai not getting through and it has been for some time now, then you start asking questions,” said Ravi Shastri, while speaking as a chief guest on Sunday at a prize distribution function in Mumbai as quoted by the circle of cricket.

I always keep an eye on Mumbai cricket: Ravi Shastri

“I get the feeling a lot of people who play for Mumbai these days take things for granted. They think that when we have a Mumbai stamp, then we will win, but this doesn’t happen. You have to go and respect the game. Respect the work ethics, respect where you have come from, and then go out and play as a team, that is the Mumbai cricket team, with pride,” he added.

The former head coach of the Indian team then went on to describe his passion for Mumbai cricket. He said that irrespective of what he does and where he is, he always follows the matches of his former team. He even elaborated on his passion, with respect to Mumbai.

“I might have been a coach of India, travelling around the globe, and also when I was doing television work here and there, but I keep an eye on Mumbai cricket because I’m a proud Mumbai player who likes to win. He plays it fair, he plays it hard, but he plays to win.” said the former Indian cricketer. It is to be noted that Shastri himself has captained Mumbai during his days.