Happy but not satisfied, says Musheer

Musheer Khan may have laid the foundation for Mumbai’s imposing first-innings total against Haryana with a century, but the all-rounder was quick to point out that he could have done better. And with his conventional left-arm spin accounting for both Haryana openers towards the end of the second day, Musheer has emerged as Mumbai’s standout performer in the Ranji Trophy Group D clash at the Sharad Pawar Academy ground.

“I am happy, but not satisfied. I could have easily scored a 200,” Musheer said on Tuesday after his 109 helped Mumbai post 430 on Tuesday. It was his fifth First Class hundred. “This is our home ground and we know how to bat here.

But a hundred makes you feel good. I thought I could have converted at least one of the two fifties at the start of the season into a hundred. You are recognised as a batter in Mumbai cricket only if you convert your starts into hundreds.

Fifties aren’t good enough.” The promising batter had begun the season with a 65 against Chandigarh at the Wankhede Stadium before scoring 57 against Himachal Pradesh in Bilaspur last week. His century against Haryana, coming in a 208-run second-wicket partnership with Angkrish Raghuvanshi, ensured Mumbai recovered from an early setback and took control of the opening day.

With experienced left-arm spinner Shams Mulani and off-spinner Tanush Kotian leading Mumbai’s spin attack, Musheer sees his role as one of containment as much as wicket-taking. “I have to play a supporting role to Shams and Tanush.

I try to bowl in the same areas and stop the flow of runs. I focus on bowling my stock ball as much as possible,” he said.