Sachin makes Lahli tie a special one

LAHLI: Such is the frenzy over Sachin Tendulkar's presence here that it's easy to forget there's a cricket match on. There is, however, one lucky beneficiary of the euphoria surrounding Tendulkar's last few competitive outings: the Ranji Trophy itself. For a season-starter between a distinctly second rung team which managed one win in eight matches last season, and the reigning domestic champions, the Haryana-Mumbai game has garnered a lot of attention. Maybe the most-ever for any Ranji match in recent memory.

As influential locals line up to grab their seats and complimentary tickets are passed around like gold dust by village elders, Tendulkar will be reminded of the last time he played against Haryana in the Ranji Trophy: the epic 1991 final match-up in which Dilip Vengsarkar let the tears flow after Mumbai lost by two runs. Tendulkar has played against Haryana only twice since, one a List A game in 1994 and a T20 outing in the 2006-07 season, and on all occasions he has sizzled with the bat.

Back to 1991, though. Unbelievable as it may sound, Tendulkar isn't the only 40-plus cricketer in this game with memories. Ajay Jadeja, now captain-coach for Haryana, scored a 94 in the first innings in that Ranji final, and after having returned to competitive cricket after six years, is raring to unleash Lahli's green top on Mumbai's batsmen. "He (Tendulkar) doesn't have happy memories of that game, does he," said a shockingly-fitter looking Jadeja, tongue firmly in cheek, before switching back to the present.

The high water-table here makes for the green tinge, and although teams have been shot out for less than 100 seven times, 27 tons have come from 24 games. Asked about the pitch, Jadeja said, "Where is it? It all looks the same to me. There have been occasions when 500 have been scored. It will help Zaheer for sure. The media attention is good for Haryana." Naturally, there was a gleam in Mumbai skipper Zaheer Khan's eyes. "It will be seamer-friendly. I'm excited."

How Tendulkar approaches his innings on this pitch will be interesting to watch, and Zaheer said, "It is a festive occasion. He is very eager to play and these outings will help him prepare for his last two Tests."

With this being Tendulkar's last first-class outing, emotions are running high in the Mumbai camp - Zaheer called it "mixed emotions" - but the batsman's body language gave nothing away. He went through his batting and fielding drills in the same methodical way he has for the past two decades and a bit, and Jadeja couldn't help but quip, "You never can tell, can you. " At 42, Jadeja should know.

Tendulkar in Ranji Trophy

Matches: 37; Runs: 4197; Highest: 233*; Avg: 87.44; 100s: 18; 50s: 18.

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Shweta Pandey

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