Bhopal: 'Mumbai wasn't our biggest competition,' says MP Ranji skipper

Minal Tomar and Apoorva Chakrayat

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)

After a massive win in Ranji Trophy, Madhya Pradesh skipper Aditya Shrivastava on Thursday returned to the ground where he started his career.

The captain, along with his Ranji co-players Puneet Datey and Rahul Batham, received a grand welcome at Ankur Cricket Academy, Bhopal. Shrivastava and Datey started their cricket journey 16 years ago right here. Shrivastava was welcomed by his coach and other aspiring cricketers with dhol beats and flower petals. Then, students at the academy carried the captain on their shoulders.

Youngsters gave a guard of honour to the Ranji players. During the event, Shrivastava told the media: "Mumbai were not our biggest competition. We had tougher matches with other teams before the finals. There was pressure throughout the tournament."

"Though MPCA is working at a good pace, we need to upgrade as other states are advancing their game at a faster tempo," he said.

The team practised hard and performed exceptionally well throughout the tournament.

Patidar an asset

Datey said right-handed top order batter and off-spinner Rajat Patidar was an asset for team.

The bowler told the FPJ reporter that, according to him, Patidar was very dominating, which helped the other batsmen as well.

Datey also said that the Indore region had the best infrastructure when it came to cricket practice.

Captain's family speak

Anushree, the captain's sister, while talking to FPJ, shared that she was overwhelmed by the reaction and support his brother was getting. She said she always believed in her brother and the whole team.

Shrivastava's wife said it was a very emotional moment for everyone.