Left-arm spinner Shams Mulani has applauded Mumbai skipper Ajinkya Rahane and he also praised his leadership quality and excellence as well.

However, Mulani himself is also a part of Mumbai’s leadership group, as he has been Rahane’s deputy. He too led the team when Rahane was out of action due to his injury in his hamstring in Mumbai’s recent defeat to Uttar Pradesh.

In an exclusive chat with Sportskeeda, Shams Mulani said: “Ajinkya Rahane is a true leader and gets the best out of his teammates. It is always great to have a player of his stature, who has played so many Test matches for India, lead the Mumbai team as he knows exactly what needs to be said at what time.”

However, Ajinkya Rahane isn’t having the best of times in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2023/24. But, his leadership skills are indeed great.

Shams Mulani added: “We did play in the final of the 2021/22 Ranji Trophy but unfortunately we lost. But it does happen that if we don’t win for 2-3 years, suddenly there are talks about a crisis in Mumbai cricket. That’s the benchmark we have set.”

He concluded: “If you look at our batting and bowling, apart from a few players that have gone to play for India A and Indian team, most of other players are available. They bring experience with them and it helps the team in crunch situations in the Ranji Trophy.”