Pacer Mohit Avasthi’s maiden 10-wicket match haul helped Mumbai outclass Bengal by an innings and four runs on Day Three of their Elite Group ‘B’ Ranji Trophy match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday.
Avasthi, who claimed 3-63 in the first innings and 7-52 in the second, took his season’s wicket tally to 28 in five games. “This is my first 10-wicket match haul so it’s a proud moment. It’s a reward for the process I’ve followed in the last two years and the experience I’ve gained,” Avasthi told mid-day from Kolkata on Sunday.
Avasthi, 31, who has 65 scalps in 18 first-class games, took 7-57 against Kerala last month, but managed just two wickets against Uttar Pradesh at the Wankhede Stadium last week. However, a long chat with UP’s India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar after that match, helped the Mumbai bowler gain confidence.
“Bhuvi is an in-swing bowler, just like me. So, I wanted to know how he prepares for a match and how he bowls in different match situations. He answered most of my queries and I’m getting results. He
[Bhuvneshwar] told me that in red-ball cricket, consistency throughout the day is crucial. He also said that the focus should be on performing well throughout the tournament. He assured me to keep bowling well and that soon I would get results,” added Avasthi, going on to thank stand-in skipper Shivam Dube and head coach Omkar Salvi for their support and encouragement.