Mumbai, Jan 9: All-rounder Abhishek Nayar returns to the Mumbai team as the Ranji heavyweights prepare to take on Tamil Nadu in the semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium from January 10 to 13.

Mumbai skipper Wasim Jaffer spoke to the media about his team’s composition, and their opponents, after the hosts’ net session today. Excerpts:

On who would make way for Abhishek Nayar in the team

[Praful] Waghela will probably have to sit out.

On whether Nayar’s inclusion was the only change in the team

Mostly. [We] will still have to look at the wicket in the morning. In the morning it generally [wears] a different look. I t looks like the only more or less but [we] are still keeping our options open.

On whether the batting was clicking for Mumbai

Yes, the lower-order has contributed really well. Apart from Kaustubh [Pawar], Hiken [Patel] got 40 and then Dhawal [Kulkarni] and Ankeet [Chavan also batted], which is a good sign. It is Mumbai’s strong point that most of the bowlers can contribute.

On the opening pair for Mumbai

Suhshant [Marathe] was unavailable because of injury; Praful has opened and he did well. Onkar [Gurav] opened for a while. We wanted to set a combination but because of the injuries we couldn’t.

On the openers’ defensive approach

As long as they keep the new ball away [from the rest of the batsmen], they play 20-30 overs [, it’s fine]. Kaustubh obviously is a genuine opener but Onkar also opens for Air India and it’s just the way he plays.

On whether the wicket was similar to the one prepared for the game against Punjab

Yes, I think so.

On the wicket

[…] It generally helps the bowler in the first two hours

On whether the wicket was as hard as it used to be earlier

It still has good bounce; earlier the layer was a bit higher, so that’s probably why. […] But I think the wicket will still [offer] good help to the bowlers.

On the Tamil Nadu team

Tamil Nadu has been doing well for the last three or four seasons. They have beaten us twice on the first-innings [lead]. They have a strong batting line-up and experienced players [so] that will help them. But we have also been playing good cricket for [the] last two or three games. It is going to be a good game. It’s not going to be an easy game.

On the main threats posed by Tamil Nadu

They are playing good cricket, they have topped their group. Their batting has been their strength. Most of their batsmen have played for India and are in good touch [and] scoring runs. You have to guard against everything, not just their batting [but] their bowling as well; [Lakshmipathy] Balaji is always a threat. They have a couple of [good] youngsters […] Overall they are a very good side and can’t be taken lightly at all.

On TN’s left-arm spinner Aushik Srinivas

He is a good bowler. He is very young, good talent. He did well last time when we played at BKC [Bandra-Kurla Complex]. They have got decent bowlers also so it’s not just their bowling; their team’s good [overall].