Mamma's boy

Newly-appointed Maharashtra Ranji captain Nikhil Paradkar reveals that Bhindi Bhaji rustled up by mother is his favourite food

Suhrid Barua, Pune Mirror, October 29, 2008

Captaincy is all more about learning on the 'job'. Mastering the art is easier said than done. Even many greats like Allan Border and Clive Lloyd on the world stage had to tide over many odds to make it count in that role. And for Maharashtra's newly-appointed Ranji captain Nikhil Paradkar, it won't be exactly like being thrown in at the deep end. For Nikhil has a fair amount of experience captaining the state side at various age levels (u-15,u-17 and u-19).

But the 21-year-old southpaw knows all too well that captaining the Ranji side will be a different ball game altogether. "It will be a different kettle of fish. I've been captaining since my school days at JN Petit Technical School. I've also led the state team in various age groups. But this (Ranji captaincy) will be hugely challenging," he said.Keep it simpleParadkar feels keeping things simple is the best way to approach a new job. "You have to be on the ball. It's all important to think ahead of the game and accordingly prepare strategies to outwit the opposition," said the second year B. Com student of city's SP College, who sees West Indian Brian Lara as his role model.

Best Buddies

Paradkar, who made his Ranji debut against Hyderabad at Karad during the 2006-07 season, says his best buddies in the team are Harshad Khadiwale and Kedar Jadhav, both of whom he pipped for the captaincy job. "I hit it off well with Harshad and Kedar which doesn't mean I don't get along with the other team members. I expect wholehearted support from them as well as from the others in the team which should make myself settle down nicely into the job," he opined.

Mother's boy

Paradkar, though, doesn't believe much in eating out though he is not averse to the idea. "I love to eat any home cooked food rustled up by mother. Bhindi Bhaji with roti prepared by her is my favourite," he reveals (grins).