Mumbai team head coach Amol Muzumdar has stated that Ajinkya Rahane looked in good touch despite his poor show in Tests. The experienced batsman’s place in the playing XI is under scrutiny following a poor tour of South Africa.

He is currently training with the Mumbai team. With Team India playing a white-ball series, it gives the veteran a good opportunity to bounce back in form in the domestic circuit and regain his form. Muzumdar further added that Rahane is looking forward to the Ranji Trophy, which begins on February 16 as well.

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Speaking to PTI, Muzumdar said: “Ajinkya is definitely looking forward to it. We have met a few times now, he has been practising with the Mumbai team. He has had a couple of sessions already. Looked absolutely in fine touch. We don’t have to look too much into the future but what is lying ahead of us is the Ranji Trophy. They both are due for a big one. I feel it is just a question of confidence. Sometimes batting is nothing but confidence.”

Mumbai have been placed alongside Saurashtra, Odisha and Goa in Group Elite D and will play their matches in Ahmedabad. Mumbai are all set to face Saurashtra in Ahmedabad in a Group D fixture of the Ranji Trophy as well. The contest will see the under-performer duo of Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara against each other. Both of them are currently under the scanner.

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Saurashtra coach Niraj Odedra said to PTI: “Pujara is not like other batters. He always has a specific plan when he walks into the nets. He is very meticulous in the way he trains. Today, he wanted to practice against reverse swing which he may encounter in the Sri Lanka series.”