Mumbai, Feb 22: Back in the Mumbai squad after an injury lay-off during the Ranji Trophy, Sushant Marathe led Mumbai’s chase against Baroda in the West Zone one-day match today. The wicketkeeper-opener scored a 95-ball 55 at the Wankhede Stadium as the hosts chased down 184 runs in their first game of the league.

Excerpts from his post-match media interaction:

On his innings and the possibility of remaining not out

In hindsight, I probably should not have played that shot. We would have probably finished the match a bit more comfortably and with a lot less nerves but I guess that is an area to improve in the future.

On whether the wicket prolonged the chase

Partly [it was the wicket]; it wasn’t like a typical one-day wicket where you just plonk your foot in the front and just swing through the line. The ball was moving a bit because of this two new-ball rule. The ball tends to move for a bit longer than normal, so yes. You had to play proper cricket shots. You couldn’t just go out there and start whacking [the ball] any way you wanted to.

On whether the two new-ball rule was a disadvantage to the batsman

No, not really because if you are set, you have two hard balls to hit. Normally if you are just using one ball, then say after 30 or 35 overs the ball tends to get a bit softer and difficult to hit. But if you are set by the 20th over, then it’s a lot easier to hit because then the ball travels faster. You have to just tweak your tactics a bit, that’s it.

On whether they had decided to go slow in the chase

No, not really. We had just decided to play according to the merit of the ball and not play predetermined [shots]. That’s what we were told as batsmen ­­­- don’t go out with a set plan; just watch the ball and play. [...]

On the match against Gujarat tomorrow

We have a lot of confidence in ourselves. There are no favourites in a one-day game; it’s just about who plays better on the day, as we all know. But yes, we have a lot of confidence in the team and we are looking to do well tomorrow as well.

On coming back after injury

It was my first game for Mumbai after my injury but I had played a couple of club games and one for my company as well, so it wasn’t as if I was short of match practice. I had practiced for a good two and a half weeks before, so I’m pretty confident about my fitness.

On whether the one-day series was good preparation for the IPL

Yes, definitely. You get to play with the white Kookaburra ball as opposed to the red SG Test [ball]. Also, you get to play [against] quality bowlers, so it’s definitely good practice. Obviously we don’t look at it as practice for the IPL; we are looking to do well for Mumbai.

On having to stay away from the team due to injuries and niggles

It is frustrating but you can’t do anything about it. It has happened so you have to take it in your stride and look forward [to your return] and come back stronger both mentally and physically. That’s all you can do.

On whether Mumbai had a plan for Yusuf Pathan

No special plans as such because we knew that on this pitch if you bowl in good areas, it will be tough for any batsman to hit [shots].

On the two bouncers an over rule

As an opener, I am used to facing two bouncers an over in the four-day format, so it’s nothing new for me.