Chandrakant Pandit was Confident about Winning the Trophy at the start of the season, says VCA Chief

Guiding a group of young Vidarbha prospects to the biggest trophy, Rajni Trophy, in the domestic circuit is no small task. But Vidarbha coach Chandrakant Pandit was so confident of winning that he had made inquiries about rewards for the feat even before the Ranji season started.

Vidarbha has registered their maiden Ranji Trophy win after trying for five decades. Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) vice- president and former Indian medium-pacer Prashant Vaidya relived the moment when Pandit, after being roped in last season, asked what they would do with the prize money.

Stunned by his question, VCA Vice President asked which money he was talking about?

“The one for the Ranji Trophy winners”, Pandit replied.

“That was so confident of him, that this man was already thinking of winning the trophy, so I thought Vidarbha is definitely going to have a good season. I started believing on the first day he [Pandit] landed in Nagpur,” Vaidya stated after Vidarbha made history beating <!---->D<!---->e<!---->l<!---->h<!---->i in the final.

The 56-year-old Pandit has won the prestigious trophy thrice, reached the final four times. The lone defeat against Gujarat last season was enough for Mumbai Cricket Association to sack him.

Having been a part of Mumbai side– both as a player and coach, Pandit knew what it would take to win.

“I have always been thinking about the achievement. Everybody wants to win the title, but I think, this win will not only change the team, it will also have an impact on the youngsters. The players of 14 or 16 years can also raise their hands and say that I can win. That’s the kind of culture I would be happy to achieve in Vidarbha,” remarked Pandit after winning the title.

Pandit credited his player’s hard work for the win. Pandit has his own way to operate things and is happy the players have never ignored the system we have followed.

Chandrakant Pandit also applauded the works of the support staffs and admitted that they have helped him immensely.

“When you don’t do well, people say there is no unity in the side. That’s not the case. Support staff is equally helping. Bowling coach Subroto Banerjee has been of great support.

“The performance of fast bowlers – especially [Rajneesh] Gurbani – that has helped. Wasim Jaffer, F<!---->a<!---->z<!---->a<!---->l have been role models,” the Ranji Trophy-winning coach said.

Chandrakant Pandit concluded admitting that he was surprised by the performance of young Aditya Thakare. Making his first-class debut, Thakare picked up a wicket in the match’s first over.

Here is the newsfeed:

Mumbai Indians asks Vidarbha star Rajneesh Gurbani to opt for trials

Vidarbha Cricket Association Announce Huge Cash Reward For Ranji Trophy Champions