"Did Not Have Money To Buy Shoes": Ignored India Star Reveals Early Days Of Struggle, Teammate Who Helped Him

In the Ranji Trophy final, Mumbai are eyeing their 42nd title. They are facing Vidarbha and are in a strong position. The final is also an emotional one for the Mumbai team as on of their veterans Dhawal Kulkarni will retire at the end of the season. It was at the insistence of the team, Kulkarni put off his retirement till the end of the season. Shardul Thakur, who is also playing for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy final revealed how Kulkarni helped him in his early days of struggle.

"It (playing his last FC game) was (an) extremely emotional moment for him and me also, because I have watched him since childhood. He has helped me also at times with my bowling. When I did not have money to buy the shoes, he gave me a few pairs of shoes also. So, he has helped me a lot," Thakur told reporters on Sunday.

"I love to play in tough situations, tough conditions. The kind of life that I have lived travelling far from Palghar all the way to Mumbai with the kit bag in train. You know it was not easy. So, I think that has toughened me up. And whenever I face a tough situation, challenging situation, it's no different. I just use that mindset that I had as a kid growing up," he said.

Meanwhile, Senior left-arm spinner Shams Mulani feels that Mumbai team cannot afford to be complacent despite having an overall lead of 260 runs after two days in the Rnji Trophy final against Vidarbha.

Mumbai produced an all-round show on the second day at the Wankhede Stadium to take complete command, bowling out Vidarbha for a mere 105 in the first innings to earn a big 119-run lead.

In their second innings, Mumbai were jolted twice early on but skipper Ajinkya Rahane (58 not out) and Musheer Khan (51 not out) led a resolute fightback with an unbeaten