Rajesh Pawar scalps 6 wickets for no run against Mumbai Police in Kanga League

Left-arm spinner Rajesh Pawar bowled an outstanding first spell, playing for Parkophene Cricketers. Pawar bowled his first six overs conceding no run and scalped six wickets in the process. The 38-year old ended up with a match-haul of nine wickets and helped his side fetch three points against Mumbai Police. Pawar, a member of the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team of 1999-2000, probably bowled the best spell of his life in the  Dr HD Kanga Cricket League yesterday.

Earlier this year, he was named the chairman of the Mumbai under-19 side. Parkophene Cricket declared their first innings on 70/4 and aimed for an outright victory but Mumbai Police batted their skin out to avoid the humiliation. Pawar picked up three wickets in the 2nd innings while Police ended the day on 101/5.

Pawar takes inspiration from Tambe

Earlier Pawar had made his intentions clear when it comes to playing competitive cricket. “I have been working hard in the local tournaments, which has helped me stay fit. I saw Pravin Tambe making his first class debut at the age of 41, which has inspired me to try and give IPL another shot,” Pawar told Asian Age, who has featured in only one game in the IPL.

“It was a challenging time for me. I left Mumbai for the very first time and Baroda was a completely different city. Zaheer (Khan) told me to join him in the Baroda team and so I did. In the first year, I could not cope up. It was the second year when Sandhu (Balwinder) became the coach and encouraged me. I enjoyed my time with the Baroda team and that was when I was called up for the Indian Team that went to Bangladesh but I missed out on the starting eleven,” Pawar added.

Pawar has played just one match in the IPL for Mumbai Indians. He was with the Delhi Daredevils side for two seasons but did not get a game.