Satyajeet Bachhav, a left-arm spinner from Nashik, finished the Under-23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy as the highest wicket-taker, with 36 scalps in six matches at an impressive average of 18.88. Maharashtra largely benefitted from his form as they made it through to the semi-final of the tournament, only to be beaten by Mumbai on the first innings lead. Bachhav had played Ranji Trophy cricket for Maharashtra a few years ago and returned to the senior side this year for the T20 matches. The good form shown in this season promises to propel him higher ahead of the next assignment later this year.

Speaking to BCCI.TV, Bachhav said, “I worked on my accuracy (before this season). I also focused on line and length. My main style of bowling is to attack the stumps. My strength is to get the batsmen leg-before or bowled.” That work has paid dividends this year as he also bagged four five-wicket hauls. His best spell of the season came against Mumbai U-23s in the semi-final, but was not enough to prevent the opposition from progressing. Bowling first change, he took six for 193 while doing the bulk of the bowling for his team.

Left-arm spin wasn’t the first option for the bowler, who started off as a seamer. “I started playing when I was nine years-old. I was initially a fast bowler. During a practice match, my fast bowling wasn’t going well. I then bowled spin and that was good. My coach then told me that I should bowl left-arm spin henceforth. I started working on it and then pursued it,” he said while explaining the course of events that led to switching of skills. Bachhav also tries to do his bit with the bat as he strives to stay in the middle and fight it out. Now, Bachhav is eyeing a spot in Maharashtra’s senior side for the Ranji Trophy. Coming off a good season, he would be confident of making it to the next level sooner than later. Also, playing T20 cricket for the senior side would have the young cricketer immense belief. MCA to allow young cricketers a chance to watch WT20 warm-ups Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai is currently playing host to some warm-up encounters ahead of the ICC World T20, 2016. It started off with New Zealand taking on Sri Lanka on March 10. New Zealand will take on England on March 12 in the afternoon while India will face South Africa in the second match of Saturday.

This is an important round for teams as they prepare for the premier tournament. However, this is also an interesting time for some of the young cricketers in the city. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) announced that the school teams featuring in the Giles and Harris Shield along with Inter-College tournament teams will be given complimentary tickets to watch these warm-ups. “Interested Schools/Colleges shall bring a letter requesting the allotment of tickets for any one match day on their letter head. The tickets can be collected from the office of the Association from 09th March 2016 after 03.00 pm and shall be given on first come first serve basis,” the MCA released in a statement before the matches got underway. The move would help young players watch some of the players that they look up to compete at the highest level. Watching their stars play in the middle is a great experience and the youngsters can learn from these encounters. Many cricketers have spoken about their first time watching a match in the stadium and its impact on them.

During the first warm-up match in Wankhede, between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, the crowd was treated to some good batting by Colin Munro and Corey Anderson. There was some brave six-hitting on display at the Wankhede and followed by a practice Super Over. The fans had taken their seats in the stadium in the North Stand and enjoyed every moment of the game.