Mumbai, Nov 13: Mumbai captain Wasim Jaffer was happy with his team’s performance after their Elite Ranji Trophy match against Rajasthan ended in draw that earned the home side three points. Jaffer especially commended his batsmen for a fine effort in the Brabourne match.

Excerpts from the post-match media-interaction:

On why 530 never seemed like a big target

The way Abishek [Nayar] and Rohit [Sharma] batted, it was outstanding. When Surya [Suryakumar Yadav] came in, he started dominating straightaway from ball one and put them on the back-foot. Even [when] we were 20-odd for two [wickets], we never really struggled; that was very satisfying to see. 530, [irrespective of the wicket] is not easy to chase, and Nayar coming back after a long time played a vital role. Even after [scoring] hundred he was struggling with cramps [but] he didn’t give up; he came back and scored 240-odd. I thought [it] was outstanding.

Partnerships are very important and I thought the 180-run partnership between Rohit and Nayar was very crucial and the way Suryakumar Yadav came in and started dominating, he took the game away from them. If Surya would have been batting for another hour I think [the first innings total] could have been chased yesterday [itself]. Nayar was scoring [too] but they couldn’t restrict him either. So that was a turning point.

On the possibility of Rohit Sharma leaving Mumbai for national duty

At the start of the season we did realise that Ajinkya [Rahane] and Rohit [Sharma] would be missing at some point. But Nayar came in and straightaway got [amongst] the runs and that was very satisfying to see; [the same with] Suryakumar Yadav. Even though he got 80-odd [runs] in both the innings [missing out on a century], the way he batted [was] outstanding. I didn’t get runs so I need to be scoring runs and even Kaustubh [Pawar]. If we all stick to the task, and at some point Rohit goes, we will [still] be in a good position.

On the mood in the dressing room when Jaffer got out early

Rohit is in good form; we all expected that he [would] cash in on his good form. I thought we were lucky that one run out chance was missed and even Rohit’s catch was dropped so we had some lucky escapes. But Rohit batted outstandingly after that; even Nayar. At one point we were scoring at six-seven [runs per over]. No matter how flat the wicket [is], [they are] Ranji Champions [from] last year and we showed [who wields] authority. It [is] really pleasing after fielding for two days to come back and chase the score. I felt really happy.

On whether this was Nayar’s best knock yet

I think the semifinal against Delhi was his best knock, probably the best that I have seen him bat. The context of the game was different, the semifinal game. Even in the Ranji [Trophy] final in Mysore I thought he played really well. Even though the runs weren’t that big, the kind of application that he showed on that wicket [was commendable]. But even chasing 530-odd and getting 240 in this game I thought was outstanding. He is also an attacking batsman [but he dropped anchor here while Rohit and Surya played the shots]. Since he was playing after so much time, he took a bit more time [than usual]; but [it was] good to see. [It’s] something that we need at the top of the order.

On Iqbal Abdulla and Dhawal Kulkarni almost taking the team through

The idea behind sending Dhawal [hinged on the fact that] the new ball was coming [in]. I have more confidence in him than Iqbal [when it comes to] facing [the] new ball. And he [proved me right] the way he batted. That is the advantage of the Mumbai team; all the bowlers can bat. So even after [losing] five to seven wickets, you still see Ramesh Powar coming in, Iqbal, Dhawal coming in. They [opposition] still need to bowl well to take ten wickets.

On the possibility of Ajit Agarkar playing the next game

Hopefully. He is playing the Police Shield today; if he is fit he might come back.

On the possibility of Aavishkar Salvi playing the next game

We have spoken to him yesterday. He is fine. It was only a viral fever. Hopefully [we’ll be back to a] full-strength [side].