In a decade dominated by big names in Mumbai cricket like Sachin Tendulkar, Vinod Kambli, Sairaj Bahutule, there is a man who's name is not often mentioned, yet in his own way has etched his unheralded name in the glorious history of Mumbai cricket - Amol Muzumdar. One can attribute his batting style to that of Rahul Dravid, who in his own self-defensive mode can rescue and consolidate the team's position from one of dire straits.

Amol made his debut for the Mumbai Ranji team in 1993/94 at the age of 24 and has since played 101 games in 10 seasons, averaging just a shade more than 50, which proves his class. He also represents Reliance Energy (formerly BSES) in the local Times Shield Cricket competition. Amol started off as a batsman who always believed in flair rather than graft, but a major transition in his game occurred in the middle stage of his career, when he became one of the most important member of the Mumbai setup and indeed did he realize his responsibility as a senior batsman of the side and since then has barely looked back. Amol is one batsman, who once gets his eye in can be quite a difficult batsman to bowl to, because of his rock solid defense and classic shots, the best of them all being the square and cover drive, which he plays like none in the domestic arena. His record is a clear testament to the fact that Mumbai have depended on his crucial services over the last few years. He was at one time challenging several middle order batsman for a place in the national team, but the only hurdle in his challenge were the selectors, who only went up to the extent of "discussing" his name. In 2002, he went through a sudden slump in form and was in a way ignored for the initial season of 2003. But the true champion batsman that he is, he fought his way back in style, after having a good season of English club cricket, where he gained his lost form, lost flair and lost confidence back. And the results of his hard work in England were there to see - as he scored an important century in the game that mattered most to the Mumbai Cricket team - The Ranji Trophy Finals at Chennai.

Besides his technically strong batting, the other quality that sets Amol apart is his fielding. Amol is regarded as one of the fittest cricketers in the Mumbai team. His on-field agility and quick throws have been a cause of downfall for many a batter in the domestic scene. Although his bowling holds no significance for Mumbai, as they have a good depth in bowling, Amol is known to bowl some wobbly leggies and also has a first class wicket to his credit. It will be his batting more than his batting that Mumbai will need, if they have to maintain their supremacy and complete dominance of Indian Domestic Cricket. Although he may not share the headlines with someone like a Kambli, his 100% on-field performances on the field should be good enough to be considered as an "unheralded" hero of Mumbai Cricket.

We at Cricketfundas.com would like to wish this talented talisman of Mumbai cricket all the very best for the Domestic Season ahead and hope that his batting gives us some memorable moments to remember.