Hyderabad captain Chama Milind shines in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Chama Milind, Hyderabad’s left-arm pacer and captain, has led his team to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Super League phase with five wins from seven matches, continuing his consistent domestic form despite being overlooked for higher-level recognition

Hyderabad: Chama Milind can well be one of those unlucky cricketers who rarely got his due despite showing consistency in domestic cricket for long.

The left-arm pacer, who also chips in with handy contributions with the bat, had a dream season in 2016-17 with 35 wickets and continues to be the lead performer along with left-arm spinner Tanay Thyagarajan for Hyderabad in bowling.

---

Yet, with those who matter in the Hyderabad Cricket Association rarely pushing his case on the bigger stage, Milind has been left to silence the critics with impressive performances.

So, for Milind, the bowling all-rounder who led Hyderabad to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Super League phase with five wins from seven games to top the Group B points table, it was just another reminder that he means business despite the snubs he faced in terms of recognition at higher levels.

“I don’t believe in chasing individual goals. I always believe that I should contribute to the team’s victory and nothing is more satisfying,” said Milind in a chat with Telangana Today.

Milind, who is the fourth overall highest wicket-taker in the Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 114 wickets, never got a chance to make his IPL debut despite being a member of Sunrisers Hyderabad for two seasons and Delhi Daredevils in 2016.

Like a champion, Milind just wants to stay focused on the job ahead in the Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

“I believe this team has shown remarkable ability to raise the bar under pressure and put in a collective effort consistently. We were determined to execute what we planned and focus on our strengths as every player has a defined role,” he said.

“The best part of this team is that everyone is keen to make a mark and that helps the team’s cause,” said 31-year-old Milind.

On his captaincy, the lanky all-rounder said he had no difficulty in donning the role. “I go with my instinct and that really helped. Yes, full credit to the entire support staff for giving us the freedom to express ourselves and produce these results,” he said. “Personally, I have been more consistent in balancing my captaincy and performance. It was wonderful,” he added.

Commenting on the next big match against Mumbai in the Mushtaq Ali Super League on December 13 in Pune, Milind said they would love to treat that just as another game. “We don’t want to think too much. We just want to go out there and give our best,” he said.

“We will just follow the process and chase the ultimate goal of winning the Mushtaq Ali Trophy,” Milind signed off confidently.