FORMIDABLE FORCE BEHIND CHAMPS

India women's team coach Amol Muzumdar basks in WC glory

- GOMESH S @ Navi Mumbai

WHEN Amol Muzumdar returned to his Vile Parle East home with his family after celebrating India's World Cup victory with the team late on Monday night, he little did he realise that the party was not over. At least not just yet. The India women's head coach was welcomed with music played by a band and loud crackers. Sweets were distributed by his neighbours and what seemed even more astonishing was that there was a cricketing tribute as well.

Muzumdar entered his apartment with people. standing on either side of the road, holding up a cricket bata beautiful guard of honour. Then came the garlands and autographs. No matter how late or exhausted he was, he still was patient and obliged each one with a smile. This is essence is Amol Muzumdar. A domestic legend who never got a chance to play for India, just because he belonged to the same generation as Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid. Year after year, he would pile on runs-11167 to be precise, including 30 centuries but still he was ignored. His 171 first-class matches spanned across the three teams Mumbai, Assam and Andhra before he hung up his boots.